Titan triggerfish avoided by scuba divers for very good reason

The titan triggerfish is a true giant among the triggerfish family. It is enormous and formidable, with a set of large teeth and powerful jaws During nesting season, it can be very aggressive in the protection of its eggs. Scuba divers share stories about the titan biting through air hoses and wetsuits, inflicting serious wounds and creating dangerous situations. Unwary divers may wander into the nest area, focused on the large and colourful fish in front of them. If attacked, a diver may realize their mistake but their natural reaction might be to swim upwards away from the nest. This may result in an even more vigorous attack because the titan triggerfish defends a cone shaped territory above the nest. The correct response is to swim away horizontally until the titan loses interest and swims back to the eggs.

Other fish and marine animals also have a healthy respect for the titan triggerfish. They steer clear whenever possible. As this large beast rips chunks of coral off the reef, the smaller fish try to get at the debris and smaller animals that are uncovered. But the triggerfish snaps and postures, reminding the fish that they are not welcome around the titan’s food. Titan triggerfish dine on sea urchins, mollusks, and coral. They are capable of break off large chunks of coral in the process.

The titan triggerfish grows to a length of 75cm. It’s a hefty fish that is well deserving of the name “titan”.