Whenever Trigger Fish Attack, that is to say, if they attack...
these Top 10 Trigger Fish Tips Could be useful!
On the positive side you may ultimately avoid a trigger attack altogether by following these tips.
All things considered, the Titan Triggerfish is known as the most aggressive and pushy fish youcan encounter!
Because we often here stories of Titan's attacking, chasing, ramming divers in addition to nibbling and biting at fins. Although this may be true I think there is an irony that most non-divers (and unfortunately many divers as well) harborfears about sharksand creatures of the deepbut would approach a Titan Trigger fish without a seconds thought! Ok, so they are notalways aggressive and on the attack, at the same time it's important to realize these are highly territorial fish who, in any event, definitely protect their territory, thus should betaken very seriously. In the light of our own recent dive trip to Palau Sipadan (where we encountered a Trigger Attack), for this reason we wanted to share some research withour readers about Triggerfish and their behavior when trigger fish attack!
#1 - Territory Isn't Just a Nest
While it is usually noted that Trigger fish only attack when you are in the territory where they are protecting their nests, this may not be true, as many trigger fish attack report indicate aggression against territorial intruders even during non nesting seasons. Titans nest in the sand adjacent to or within the corals. They will protect these nests with a dedication that is practically never seen from other fish species.
#2 - Know Your Enemy
The largest member of the Trigger fish family and also one of the most photogenic is the mighty Titan Triggerfish, They range in size from 15 - 30 inches. Their marking patterns are comprised of green, yellow, blue and gray, with black fin tips. Titan Trigger fish feed on hard coral, crustaceans and invertebrates, They have large specialized teeth that are clearly designed for chomping on these food sources, their teeth look something similar to a Rabbits.
#3 - Watch and Observe
Usually whilst cruising reef areas that are known to have Triggerfish, you will encounter a solitary Titan. Like most of the other reef fish, they are most active during the day and will tuck themselves into the reef to sleep at night. Understanding what is part of the nesting behavior and territorial nature is an important part of avoiding problematic situations which may cause a trigger fish attack
#4 - Don't Pick a Fight
For the purpose of common sense, surely no one would normally harass any aquatic life, given that we are scuba divers. For the most part i'm sure its true, at the same time ive seen divers approach and even chase trigger fish in front of me. All of a sudden they are left wondering why they were immediately attacked. In the final analysis, you cant teach stupid.
#5 - Know Your Danger Zone - Trigger Fish Nests
The "danger zone" is a cone shaped area directly above the triggerfish nest
Specifically, it extends all the way from the seabed by the nest up to the surface. With this in mind, if youtrespass in the middle Trigger fishnesting zone, in spite of even knowing, you then ultimatelyfind yourself with an aggressive malechargingyou or trying to eat your fins! Ask you local dive guide to clarify areas of reef known for trigger activity with this in mind.
#6 - Don't Go Up - You'll Be Sorry
For one thing, ascending will surely notstop the Trigger fish in itspursuitof you. As shown above, to evade its territory and by all means its attacks, you must swim horizontally away and totally exits itsterritorialzone. ( and by the way I should alsomention, not only must you exit the attacking trigger fishes zone but also checkyouhaven'tjust swim into another!) I have spend dives where its seems i'm under constantattackfrom one corner of the reef to the next during the nesting seasons)
#7 - Keep an Eye Wide
Try to keep your eyes on the Triggerfish at all times, perhaps it iseasiersaid than done, as these fish raceabout in spurts of intense speed. Keep your camera or fins between you and the fish if at all possible. Better to have a hole in fins than your body! Hardcore underwater photographers will tell you to grab that click of the trigger fish whilst itsattacking you! but we will be responsible and suggest perhaps focus on not beingharmed.
#8 - Don't be a Hero
In view of the present day Go Pro video camera trend and selfie sticks, for this reason, I have to say "Dont Be a Hero". For the most part, a majority of trigger attacks with attention to Go Pro's, consequently could have be avoided in my opinion. By all means, taking your footage is fine provided that you don't stick that selfy stick in a Titans face and on the whole be vigilant when filming triggers.
#9 - Triggers Are Not Evil
Some Triggerfish Are Really Chilled Out and Friendly
Not all Trigger fish areevil! Yes, some willattack to protect their territory, sometimes you maybe see aggressiveapproachesdesignto direct you out of the nesting zonelikean agitated dog may do with a bowl of food. Just remember - you are not really being "attacked"The trigger is onlydefending its territory, which you (unknowingly) invaded. Don't blame the Trigger fish. we are the guest in the underwaterrealmand hold no claims.
#10 - Know Your Best Defense
Just hanging around making a safety stop and you may just feel a bump on your fins. Upon turning around you may discover a pesky trigger having a good old chew on your jetfin. This happened to me in the video below. At first I just thought ok, let it be and I swam along the reef to attempt to leave its ‘zone’ only to find it followed me and keep coming back time and time again. Moving away is always your best defense, but if, like in my case, it keeps coming at you. remember it's better to keep your feet in a position where it will take a chunk from your fins and not you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Trigger Fish
Everything you Need to Know About Trigger Fish
1Are trigger fish aggressive?
Short answer is yes. Females are very aggressive over protecting their nests and will exhibit aggression to a scuba diver. Generally, takes the form of an overt rapid movement towards the intruder, quickly followed by a rapid retreat to the nest. It's not uncommon for them to get a little bitey too.
2Does a trigger fish bite hurt?
Yep, you can count on it. The jaws of the triggerfish are very painful, and they enable the fish to crush food quickly. Their bite marks look like you've been attacked by a small angry biting child or some kind of cannibal rabbit.
3What to do if a trigger fish attacks you?
This page should have taught you everything you need to know about when a Trigger fish attacks you, if you don't know by now it's your Destiney to be eaten.
4What is the most aggressive trigger fish?
The Moustache Triggerfish, known for its size and aggressiveness, presents a notable challenge among its Triggerfish counterparts. With powerful teeth and the presence of ciguatoxins, this species has the potential to cause severe injuries.
5What is the most beautiful trigger fish?
Many consider the Clown Triggerfish to be the most aesthetically captivating member of the Trigger family, thanks to its distinctive coloration. Its black body is adorned with vibrant yellow hues speckled with small, round black spots. Either that or the one that doesn't bite you.
6What Dive Fins are Best To Defend From Trigger Fish Attacks?
The Scuba fins used in the video are Scubapro Jet fins. They are a tough rubber fin and only sustained small chunks missing from the trigger fish bites. You can Buy Jet Fins here on Amazon Good Luck
