Reef triggerfish

40 species of often brightly colored species of the family Balistidae. consist of approximately forty species in eleven genera. Inhabit tropical or sub-tropical oceans aound the world. Popular in the marine aquarium trade Notoriously ill-tempered.

Animalia Chordata Actinopterygii Tetraodontiformes Balistidae

They are easily recognized by their deep flat bodies, small pectoral fins, small eyes placed high upon the head, rough rhomboid-shaped scales that form a tough covering on their body. angular shaped head that extends into a long snout-like nose that possesses very strong jaws and a small mouth full of heavy duty teeth.

With an outer series of eight teeth in each jaw upper jaw contains a second inner series of six plate-like teeth. Near the area in front of the tail they have some prickly, spike-like rows of spines.

The first dorsal fin is made up of three spines and can be depressed into a groove on the fish's back. When erect, this spine can be locked into place by the second dorsal fin, known as the "trigger" spine (from which these fish derive their common name).

Ventral and posterior dorsal fins, are capable of undulating from side to side to provide slow speed movement. Sickle shaped caudal fin is used only to escape predators Gill plates (operculum), is present but not visible, overlaid by tough skin, and then covered by rough rhomboid scales.

Aggressive in protecting their eggs from intruders Their territory extends in a cone from the nest to the upward surface They are also notorious bait stealers, they nibble off small bites of any bait.

Feeds on slow moving bottom dwelling crustaecians, mollusks, and sea urchins. Triggerfish will often lie on their side above the substrate and undulate their dorsal and anal fins, sending up a cloud of sand, detritus, and microfauna, allowing them to expose buried animals

Spitting is another common triggerfish behavior. In the wild triggerfish will hunt by hydraulic jetting: they blow water out of their mouths and into the sand to uncover prey.

Lay there eggs in a small hole, dug in the sea bottom Adults guard there nest Juveniles feed on small shrimps, crabs, and other mollusks

Almost all species of triggerfish can be eaten The titan triggerfish should be a avoided, due to its ciguatoxin

Also known as the wedge-tail triggerfish, rectangular triggerfish, or the v-line humu humu The official fish of the state of Hawaii The name Humu humu comes from Hawaiian and Humuhumu-nukunuku-apua'a, meaning pig-like snout.

Scientific Name: Family: Care: Temperature: pH dH Specific gravity Size: Breeding: Life Span: Crustacean Safe? Habitat

Rhinecanthus rectangulus Balistidae Normal 22 - 26 C; 72 - 78 F 8.1 - 8.4 8 - 12 1.020 - 1.023 30 cm; 12 inches Egg Laying Years No Corals

Tan body with dark bands Its distinctive features include blue/black strips across its eyes. blue lips and a black wedge at the base of the caudal fin, which is outlined in brown and yellow. highly maneuverable and changes directions quickly.

has a double dorsal fin with a large spine in the front area of the fin. It uses the spine to lock itself into rocks and corals where it sleeps for the night, well protected from predators. Triggers have been known to sleep on their sides as well.

There are no known sexual differences. Reef Triggers are egg layers and they are not bred in captivity.