Triggerfish

Triggerfish are a fascinating addition to any saltwater aquarium, known for their vibrant colors, unique body shapes, and strong personalities. They belong to the family Balistidae and are found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. Triggerfish are named for the spines on their dorsal fins, which they can 'trigger' or lock into place as a defense mechanism against predators and to wedge themselves into crevices for protection while sleeping. This trait makes them incredibly interesting to observe in a home aquarium setting.

Triggerfish are generally hardy and can adapt well to captive conditions, but they are best suited for intermediate to advanced aquarists due to their specific care requirements and sometimes aggressive behavior. They can grow quite large so they require spacious tanks with plenty of swimming room and hiding spots.

These fish are carnivorous and have strong jaws capable of crushing hard-shelled prey like crustaceans and mollusks. In a home aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet that includes high-quality marine-based pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live foods. It's important to note that Triggerfish can be territorial and may not be suitable for community tanks with smaller, more passive fish. They are best kept either singly or with other large, robust fish that can hold their own.

Triggerfish are also known for their intelligence and can become quite interactive with their owners, often recognizing them and even learning to be hand-fed. However, their strong jaws mean that caution should be exercised when handling or feeding them by hand. Their bold and curious nature makes them a captivating centerpiece in a saltwater aquarium, but their care requirements and potential for aggression should be carefully considered before adding them to your tank.

1. 
   Common name: Orange-lined triggerfish

   Scientific name: Balistapus undulatus
2. 
   Common name: Grey triggerfish

   Scientific name: Balistes capriscus
3. 
   Common name: spotted triggerfish

   Scientific name: Balistes punctatus
4. 
   Common name: Ol'wife

   Scientific name: Balistes vetula
5. 
   Common name: Clown triggerfish

   Scientific name: Balistoides conspicillum
6. 
   Common name: Titan triggerfish

   Scientific name: Balistoides viridescens
7. 
   Common name: Indian triggerfish

   Scientific name: Melichthys indicus
8. 
   Common name: Black triggerfish

   Scientific name: Melichthys niger
9. 
   Common name: Pink-tail trigger

   Scientific name: Melichthys vidua
10. 
    Common name: Niger Trigger Fish

    Scientific name: Odonus niger
11. 
    Common name: Yellowmargin triggerfish

    Scientific name: Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus
12. 
    Common name: Blue triggerfish

    Scientific name: Pseudobalistes fuscus
13. 
    Common name: Picasso Triggerfish

    Scientific name: Rhinecanthus aculeatus
14. 
    Common name: Picasso triggerfish

    Scientific name: Rhinecanthus assasi
15. 
    Common name: Wedgetail Triggerfish

    Scientific name: Rhinecanthus rectangulus
16. 
    Common name: Blackbelly triggerfish

    Scientific name: Rhinecanthus verrucosus
17. 
    Common name: Boomerang triggerfish

    Scientific name: Sufflamen bursa
18. 
    Common name: Halfmoon triggerfish

    Scientific name: Sufflamen chrysopterum
19. 
    Common name: Masked triggerfish

    Scientific name: Sufflamen fraenatum
20. 
    Common name: Gilded triggerfish

    Scientific name: Xanthichthys auromarginatus
21. 
    Common name: Outrigger triggerfish

    Scientific name: Xanthichthys caeruleolineatus
22. Common name: Blue Line Triggerfish

    Scientific name: Xanthichthys lineopunctatus
23. 
    Common name: Blue-throat trigger

    Scientific name: Xanthichthys mento
24. 
    Common name: Sargassum triggerfish

    Scientific name: Xanthichthys ringens