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Many divers and snorkelers who’ve spent time diving in South East Asia will have a story or two to tell about the infamous titan triggerfish… In mating season, triggerfish get extremely territorial and will viciously defend their nesting site against intruders – including oblivious divers and snorkelers!
Although they are an interesting and beautiful looking fish - the titan triggerfish has a notorious reputation amongst divers. They are fairly docile for the most part of the year, but they can get very feisty in nesting season! Whilst unable to cause any serious or life-threatening injury to humans, they do have large, sharp teeth designed to crunch corals, and they pack a powerful bite best avoided.
So, how come they are so aggressive? It is widely known that titan triggerfish are extremely territorial by nature, especially if you happen to encounter them in nesting season. And whilst most of them are merely looking to protect their nest – some seem to just enjoy snapping at divers fins just for the fun of it.. Luckily, there are some clear signs indicating that trouble is coming your way!
Their first dorsal fin has three spines, which can be locked into an “erect” position. The first spine is locked in place by erection of the second spine and can only be unlocked by depressing the second “trigger spine”. When threatened, they will use this to wedge themselves into coral crevasses, making them virtually immovable.
The spine is usually only visible if this triggerfish is feeling threatened or anxious and this serves as a clear warning for divers to start swimming the other way…
It's said that the eyes are the window to the soul, and when you start getting the old evil eye from a titans’ independently rotating eyeballs - it’s best to keep your distance! Especially if they’re moving jerkily or if you spot them rolling onto their side whilst giving you the stare.
If you’ve unknowingly happened to bump into a titan triggerfish, intent on eating various pieces of your dive equipment, don’t panic! We promise there is a way out!
First of all, turn your fins towards the offender and use it as a barrier between you and the fish! Oftentimes the triggerfish will not actually bite you, but is simply trying to escort you out of their zone. However, if they are going to take a nibble, much better it’s through your fins than through your body.
Their territory is shaped as an upside down cone from where the eggs are hiding, so swimming upwards will not help you escape the nesting zone – we’ve seen triggerfish following divers all the way up to the surface. Horizontal is the way to go! Keep your eyes on them the whole time, whilst you make your swift horizontal escape.
Once you’ve made it out of the zone, they’ll stop chasing you. They’ll head back to their nest and you’ll head home with some adrenalin-filled stories to share with your friends and family!
Whilst the triggers’ nasty reputation is somewhat well-deserved, it’s important to remember that they are (usually…) just looking to defend their young ones from what they think are intruders to their territory.
Divers who have experienced a nesting triggerfish before may get anxious seeing them underwater and instinctually shy away. This is understandable in nesting season, but for most part of the year, not necessary!
Usually your dive guide will inform you in advance if you’re heading to a dive site which may have nesting triggerfish present. They will know where potential nesting grounds are and do their best to avoid those areas. Follow their lead and you should be fine! And just in case you encounter a feisty looking triggerfish, you now know the signs of a triggerfish in distress, and how to make a safe escape!
