Sealife guideThe Balistidae familyThe taxonomy of marine species
Explore the taxonomy of the sea vertebrates including the cetaceans like the whales or the dolphins, the sea birds, the fish, the sharks and the sea turtles !
The family Balistidae includes marine fish known as triggerfish, found mainly in tropical and subtropical seas. They are characterized by their laterally compressed bodies, prominent snouts and, above all, their remarkable defense system: a dorsal spine they can lock in place like a trigger to wedge themselves firmly into rock crevices. Their powerful jaws, equipped with robust teeth, allow them to crush the shells of mollusks, sea urchins and the carapaces of crustaceans. Triggerfish are also intriguing for their behavior—sometimes curious toward divers, yet highly territorial, especially during the breeding season. With their stocky bodies and often striking color patterns combining lines, spots and vivid contrasts, they are among the most emblematic and recognizable species of tropical reefs.

Black triggerfish
(Melichthys niger)
(Melichthys niger)

Blue throated triggerfish
(Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
(Xanthichthys auromarginatus)

Gray triggerfish
(Balistes capriscus)
(Balistes capriscus)

Ocean triggerfish
(Canthidermis sufflamen)
(Canthidermis sufflamen)

Orange striped triggerfish
(Balistapus undulatus)
(Balistapus undulatus)

Picasso triggerfish
(Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
(Rhinecanthus aculeatus)

Pinktail triggerfish
(Melichthys vidua)
(Melichthys vidua)

Queen triggerfish
(Balistes vetula)
(Balistes vetula)

Redtooth triggerfish
(Odonus niger)
(Odonus niger)

Sargassum triggerfish
(Xanthichthys ringens)
(Xanthichthys ringens)

Titan triggerfish
(Balistoides viridescens)
(Balistoides viridescens)

Wedgetail triggerfish
(Rhinecanthus rectangulus)
(Rhinecanthus rectangulus)

Yellow-spotted triggerfish
(Pseudobalistes fuscus)
(Pseudobalistes fuscus)

Yellowmargin triggerfish
(Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus)
(Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus)
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(Ginglymostoma cirratum)
(Ginglymostoma cirratum)
