Today we are going to talk about a very colorful fish in which there is a great variety. Its about triggerfish. It is also known by the name of pejepuercos. Strictly speaking, they do not have a single “scientific name” because it is not a single species, but a set of species of the family BalistidaeWithin this family, species such as capriscus triggerfish (sometimes cited as Balistes carolinensis) and many others that share features of form and behavior. They are found mainly in the coastal waters from numerous oceans around the world. In this article, we'll tell you about the characteristics and lifestyle of these colorful fish, with useful information for divers, marine wildlife enthusiasts, and those curious about the sea.
Do you want to know more about the triggerfish? Read because we tell you everything.
Key features
Around the world we can find More than 40 species of triggerfish. They all belong to the order Tetraodontiforms and the family Balistidae. In the description of its body we find a oval and laterally compressed shape which helps them to better sneak between rocks and corals. Their head is relatively large and has a very powerful jaw which they use to damage and crush their prey.
The eyes are small and set high, near the edge of the head. They may move independently, which allows them to look in different directions and have an extraordinary perception of what is happening around them.
On the upper part of the body they have an anterior dorsal fin with three thornsThe first is robust and can be locked upwards; the second acts as a "trigger" which unlocks it, and the third is smaller. This mechanism explains its name in English, triggerfishIt is a defensive system that allows them to entrench oneself in crevices and block their extraction by predators.
The dorsal (rear) and anal fins undulate synchronously to move. Therefore, although they are agile, They are not great sprinters: Their usual swimming is controlled and precise. They reserve the tail fin for sudden accelerations when they need to flee.
The skin is striking, hard and covered with rhomboid scales, which acts as armor and reduces damage from bites of similar-sized predators. Obviously, these hard skins can do little against large predators like the White shark.
The length of these fish does not usually exceed 50 cm., although some species can be smaller (20–30 cm) and others reach larger sizes. Some isolated specimens have been found up to 1 metre long, as is the case with large rocky species in the eastern Pacific.
In the mouth, with thick lips, they house strong teeth and sharp. In many species there are eight teeth per jaw, with additional plates that act as Trituradoras, something key to breaking sea urchin shells and spines.
Among the best-known genera within Balistidae are Ballistae, Ballistoids, Rhinecanthus, Pseudobalistes, Melichthys, Odonus, Canthidermis, Xanthichthys y Sufflamen, with variations in color, size and diet, but with the same morphological “signature” that reveals the family.
Habitat and distribution of hogfish
These fish can be found in seas and oceans around the world.Its greatest diversity is concentrated in tropical and subtropical waters, especially in the Indo-Pacific. In temperate regions, such as the Ocean and the Mediterranean coast, some species are also present, particularly in warmer seasons.
As for its habitat, the ideal environment for its reproduction and daily life is located near coral reefs, rocky bottoms, seagrass beds and submerged structures (including ruins or wrecks). They usually use the cracks from corals or nearby rocks to hide at night and avoid being captured by predators.
They frequent a usual depth range of 10 to 100 meters, with some species moving more shallowly in coastal areas. There are also crossbows with more pelagic (as Canthidermis) that are associated with floating objects and life in the water column.
Their presence in areas close to the coast may be an indicator of good environmental condition, as long as the funds with shelters and food are well preserved.
Behavior
Many of these fish they are lonely and their activity is diurnal. At night they hide in some rock crevices and near corals to escape predators. Some species of triggerfish become very aggressive when they are in the breeding season because they are very territorial and defensive with their young.
At first glance, they can be seen swimming calmly and even approaching divers without showing fear. This apparent "confidence" should not be confused: if they feel their nest is threatened, they will defend it decisively. In fact, the defensive territory of some species has cone shape that extends from the nest to the surface. A safety tip for divers is move away horizontally from the nest instead of ascending, to leave the defense zone sooner.
When it comes to defending their nest, they're capable of anything. There have even been cases where they've attacked humans who were diving nearby. The females, often more aggressive in appearance than the males, They do not hesitate to attack and even bite if they perceive a threat to their laying.
In addition to using the dorsal “trigger” to lock into crevices, some crossbows can Make sounds grunting sounds when handled out of water, a warning behavior documented in several species in the family.
In everyday swimming, they alternate periods of propulsion with undulations of the dorsal and anal fins and pauses of gliding. They reserve the caudal for quick starts when they must escape or attack intruders during the breeding season.
Triggerfish feeding
The pigfish has a diet quite variedTheir main food is the meat of different species such as shrimp, mollusks, worms, crabs, and sea urchins. This is a family primarily carnivorous that uses its fins to cavar in the substrate and access buried prey.
Use the water that is retained in your mouth to to squirt that push aside sand and uncover food. Their continuously growing jaws and teeth are designed to break shells and hard shells. For hedgehogs, they may strategically bite on the ventral area, where there are fewer spines. They also supplement their diet with some seaweed and other bottom plants, especially the more generalist species.
Some crossbows feed on zooplankton, especially when they are juveniles or in pelagic species; others are purely benthic. They tend to consume large amounts of food during the day and go without feeding at night.
It is frequently observed how other species de peces they take advantage of leftovers left behind by the action of the crossbows, stirring up the seabed. These "opportunistic scavengers" follow the crossbows to benefit from the food they bring into view.
Its main predators include large pelagic fish such as the dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus) and some tuna, as well as larger sharks in certain regions.
Reproduction
We have generally mentioned that they are solitary fish. However, they can be polygamous. That is, males can be with several females at the same time and vice versa. For reproduction, there is not a complex courtship in all species: in some, females, being very territorial, they choose their partner immediately and concentrate on building and defending the nest.
The reproduction of many species is synchronized with lunar cycles and tides, which facilitates the dispersal of larvae. The nest is usually a hole dug in the sand or between gravel, often circular in outline. The females may blow on the eggs to oxygenate them and clean the sediment, while the males patrol the area.
Once fertilized, the eggs are incubated for a short period and, upon hatching, the larvae pass through a phase planktonic until they develop into juveniles and descend to coastal habitats. In some cases, fertilization and spawning occur on the same day, and births are concentrated in very narrow time windows, which can increase the survival rate of the cohort.
Females and males defend fiercely The nest environment; as we mentioned, the territory can extend conically toward the surface. If their warning (upraised dorsal fin, lunging) is ignored, they may bite and chase intruders, including divers.
When the fish are very young, they are small and fragile. To avoid damage from waves, the parents, by keeping the nest clear and protected, encourage the fry to hatch. learn to swim and feed in nearby areas with less exposure.
Diversity and taxonomy of the Balistidae family
The family Balistidae groups a wide diversity of triggerfish. Among the most recognizable species for recreational divers are capriscus triggerfish (Atlantic-Mediterranean), Balistoides viridescens (Indo-Pacific; very territorial during breeding season), Rhinecanthus aculeatus (common in Indo-Pacific reefs) or Pseudobalistes spp. of large size. Among the pelagic species, the following stand out: Canthidermis spp., which are usually associated with floating structures in the open sea.
At the morphological level, they share the “trigger” mechanism of the dorsal fin, the hard skin with rhomboid scales and the mouth with specialized teeth. Colorations can range from a subtle greenish-grey to striking banded and spotted patterns, making them well-known species in marine aquarium (although its territorial behavior requires large tanks and cautious combinations).
Relationship with humans: diving, fishing and consumption
The generally trusting character makes the triggerfish common in dives on reefs. Observing them closely is easy, but it is always important to respect the nests during breeding season to avoid tense encounters. Key reminder: If a specimen shows aggression, move away horizontally from the nest, not towards the surface.
In fishing, some species are of interest artisanal or commercial depending on the region. Others are caught accidentally in gillnets or trawls. Their robust teeth can cut fine lines, so heavy duty tackle is recommended for recreational activities.
In gastronomy, its meat is appreciated in several areas of the world for having few spines and good texture. However, in tropical areas certain species may be associated with risk of ciguatera (poisoning by toxins accumulated in reef food chains), so in these regions responsible consumption is advised in accordance with local recommendations.
Conservation and population status
The state of conservation varies according to the species and regionSome crossbows show stability, while others have suffered fishing pressures intense, especially where they are caught before reaching the maturityThe degradation of coastal habitats (reefs, seagrass meadows) and pollution also impact their populations.
In terms of management, the most effective measures include minimum sizes, temporary bans during reproduction, improvement of the selectivity of arts to reduce accidental catches and protect critical habitats. Environmental education for divers and fishermen helps reduce disturbances in laying areas and to promote good practices.
As a functional group, crossbows play a relevant role in the control of hard-shelled invertebrates (sea urchins, molluscs), contributing to the balance of benthic communities. Maintaining healthy populations of Balistidae is key to the resilience of coastal ecosystems.
I hope this information helps you learn more about the triggerfish.With their distinctive dorsal “trigger,” their invertebrate diet, and their territorial assertiveness during breeding season, triggerfish are true reef icons. If you encounter them while diving, observe them with respect; if you're interested in their ecology, consider all they reveal about the adaptation to the marine environment and the importance of conserving the habitats where they thrive.
