Titan triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) use their large teeth to break off and eat pieces of hard and soft corals, as well as attack and drive off predators.
Like many reef fish, they employ the services of cleaner wrasse to remove ectoparasites and dead skin from the surface of their bodies.
Titan triggerfish can reach up to 75 centimeters (30 inches) in length, and are typically seen working the reef, turning rocks and stirring up sand with their mouths.
During the breeding season, females inhabit sandy areas, guarding their nests aggressively against any perceived threats, including snorkelers and divers. Their sturdy teeth have been known to cause injuries requiring medical attention.
Triggerfish are named for their two moveable dorsal spines—when the larger front spine is upright, the smaller “trigger spine” behind it can drop down and secures the front spine in place.
This locking system protects the fish when it hides inside a reef hole at night, or when frightened, by using the spines to wedge itself tightly inside the hole.
Matthew Oldfield is a freelance photographer based in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in editorial and documentary images from both above and below the waves. He works primarily with charities, NGO’s, and other organizations working to conserve the environment, endangered species, and disappearing cultures.
