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The titan triggerfish, giant triggerfish or moustache triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) is a large species of triggerfish found in lagoons and at reefs to depths of Template:Convert in most of the Indo-Pacific, though it is absent from Hawaii. With a length of up to Template:Convert,<ref name=FishBase>{{#invoke:Cite taxon|main|fishbase|genus=|species=|subspecies=}}</ref> it is the largest species of triggerfish in its range (the stone triggerfish, Pseudobalistes naufragium, from the east Pacific is larger).<ref>{{#invoke:Cite taxon|main|fishbase|genus=|species=|subspecies=}}</ref>
BehaviorEdit
The titan triggerfish is diurnal and solitary. It feeds on sea urchins, molluscs, crustaceans, tube worms and coral.<ref name=FishBase/>
It often feeds by turning over rocks, stirring up sand and biting off pieces of branching coral. This is why other smaller fish species are often seen around it, as they feed on the detritus and smaller organisms that are stirred up. Titan triggerfish are one of a number of species of fish which can hunt and eat the crown-of-thorns starfish.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Titan triggerfish have been observed being aggressive to other fish who enter their territory.
Interaction with humansEdit
Though titan triggerfish are usually wary of divers and snorkelers, females can be territorial and aggressive around their nests during the reproduction season, which occurs for about a week in each month (either after the full moon or new moon, depending on the population).<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
The nest is placed in a flat sandy area, and is defended vigorously against any intruders. The territory around the nest is roughly cone-shaped and divers who accidentally enter it may be attacked. Divers should swim horizontally away from the nest rather than upwards which would only take them further into the territory.<ref name=Randall>Template:Cite bookTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref name=Millington>Template:Cite journal</ref> Although bites are not venomous, the strong teeth can inflict serious injury that may require medical attention.<ref name=Randall/><ref name=Millington/><ref name=Lieske>Lieske, E., & R. Myers (1999). Coral Reef Fishes. 2nd edition. Princeton University Press. Template:ISBNTemplate:Page needed</ref><ref name=Debelius>Debelius, H. (1993). Indian Ocean Tropical Fish Guide. Aquaprint Verlags GmbH. Template:ISBNTemplate:Page needed</ref>
The threat posture includes the triggerfish facing the intruder while holding its first dorsal spine erect.<ref name=Randall/> It may also roll onto its side, allowing it a better look at the intruder it perceives as threatening its nest. The titan triggerfish will not always bite, but can swim at snorkellers and divers escorting them out of their territory.
The flesh of the titan triggerfish is sometimes ciguatoxic.<ref name=Randall/><ref name=Lieske/>
GalleryEdit
- Titan Triggerfish imported from iNaturalist photo 261420765 on 3 November 2024.jpg
Maldives
- Pez ballesta titán (Balistoides viridescens), parque nacional Ras Muhammad, Egipto, 2022-03-28, DD 35.jpg
Red Sea
- Drückerfisch. Giant Titan Triggerfish. Balistoides viridescens DSCF0329WI.jpg
Red Sea, with extended dorsal spine
ReferencesEdit
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| url = https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=173224 | title = Balistoides viridescens | publisher = Integrated Taxonomic Information System }}
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