The poor triggerfish has several names, and not very flattering ones, to be honest. But it is a super cool animal, very interesting and worth knowing. The Balastidae family is spread across seas all over the world, with very similar characteristics. For example, the one that has earned them the name “triggerfish”. Come with me to get to know them!
Triggerfish: A Fish That “Shoots”
The name of this animal is quite peculiar. When you see it swimming calmly in aquariums, seabeds, or in documentaries on Channel 2, it looks like anything but a crossbow. The trick is in its dorsal fins, which it can raise and fold. Whoever gave it its name thought it reminded them of William Tell’s famous weapon, probably because of its “shooting” action.
With or without a trigger, these fish have super interesting characteristics that are worth studying. Can you imagine working in an aquarium and taking care of them? An Expert Course in Exotic Animals can open the doors to all kinds of centers, institutions, and businesses related to the most special fauna. Think about it: it’s worth it.
These folding fins have also earned them their name in English. In this language,e they are known as ‘ triggerfish ‘, that is, triggerfish. The curious mechanism that makes them work is the reason for both names. The largest fin has three spines that can be locked, is strong and wide, and is connected to the second. When the fish wants to, it only has to lower the second fin (the smallest one, which is behind) to unlock the first one and be able to lower it.
A Defensive System Worthy Of Predator
You must be wondering why these fins move up and down. Logically, as always happens in nature, this mechanism has a reason for being. It is a method of defense against its predators. For example, if the triggerfish is inside a cave and senses danger, it will activate its fin to lock itself in the cavity so that its attacker cannot get it out. It can also be used as a defensive weapon, given its hardness.
However, no matter how many triggerfish they have, these fish are very good-natured. They feed on zooplankton and small mollusks, crabs, and invertebrates that they dig up from the seabed. And curiously, they are not at all afraid: divers are often surprised to see that they do not run away, but continue on their way as if nothing happened. Apparently, their defensive weapon gives them tremendous self-confidence.
In the aquarium and on the table
The Balistadae family includes more than 40 species. The largest of all is the rock triggerfish (Pseudobalistes naufragium), which can measure up to a meter in length and lives in the warm waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, from the coasts of Mexico to Chile. Another “triggerfish” worth considering is the titan triggerfish ( Balestoides viridescens ), which can measure 75 centimeters and display a beautiful range of colors. It is a highly territorial animal; on occasion, some specimens have even attacked divers who have approached their domain.
Many of these animals, especially those that live in tropical waters, have spectacular colors that have made them objects of desire for aquarium lovers. This is the case, for example, of the clown triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum), a beautiful animal with a dark body, large white spots on the abdomen, a yellow mouth, and a mottled back.
But as is often the case in the underwater world, within the large family of triggerfish some species are also of gastronomic interest. In Cádiz, without going any further, it is traditional to consume specimens of Balistes capriscus, a species that there is called “pigfish” (apparently, due to its great voracity).
For years, this fish was not highly valued in the culinary world. But since 2010, some chefs in the region began to claim its quality and today it is highly appreciated in restaurants. A fish that, according to sailors and fishermen, is ugly as hell and has a skin “like one could make Ubrique handbags”. (It is very hard, and of course, is not edible). Well, to us it seems very pretty…
Would you like to meet the triggerfish in your daily life?
And no, I’m not talking about going to the fish market or having dinner at a restaurant. I’m talking about working with them in aquariums, fish stores, recovery centers, zoos… A dream come true for many nature lovers, which may be within your reach. All you have to do is fill out and send the form on this website!
In a short time, you will receive all the information about an. Exotic Animal Specialist Course that will open the doors to this world for you. A training program with up to 300 hours of internships in companies, through which you can develop this profession. A very vocational profile, with a passion for fauna and the natural environment and a desire to give everything to care for the most beautiful and strange beings on the planet.
Do you recognize yourself in this portrait? Well, don’t leave it for tomorrow. Bet on your future and you won’t regret it. Charge like a triggerfish, aim for your goal… and make it a reality.
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