Titan Triggerfish

Description:

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 50 m (160 ft) in most of the Indo-Pacific, though it is absent from Hawaii. With a length of up to 75 centimetres (30 in), it is the largest species of triggerfish in its range (the stone triggerfish, Pseudobalistes naufragium, from the east Pacific is larger). The titan triggerfish is usually wary of divers and snorkelers, but during the reproduction season the female guards its nest, which is placed in a flat sandy area, vigorously against any intruders. The territory around the nest is roughly cone-shaped and divers who accidentally enter it may be attacked.

Habitat:

Found in lagoon and at reefs to depths of 50 meters in most of the Indo-Pacific.

Notes:

This fish, seldom heard of by non-divers are more notorious than Sharks. They have probably attacked more Divers and Snorkelers than Sharks. The Females are very protective of their nest when guarding their eggs and will have no hesitation to attack Divers who entered their territory. Their teeth are very sharp and can cause serious bites. I personally have been attacked by a Titan Triggerfish before in Layang-Layang Island. I was filming a Manta Ray at a cleaning station and didn't realised the Triggerfish was there when it lunged at me and took a bite of my fingers. The sharp teeth sliced my finger nail and deep cut on the other side of the finger!