TriggerfishesBalistidae

Triggerfishes (Balistidae) are robust-bodied marine fishes with an oval to compressed body shape. They feature a relatively large head and a small, powerful mouth armed with strong, often protruding teeth, adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey. Body colours vary widely among species, frequently displaying bright patterns of orange, yellow, blue, black, and grey, often with distinct lines or spots. Most species in the 🌊 Red Sea reach 20 to 50 cm (8-20 in) in total length. A modified first dorsal spine forms a prominent "trigger" that can be locked upright, allowing the fish to wedge itself securely into crevices or to anchor while resting.

They inhabit shallow reef flats, slopes, and drop-offs, living generally from the surface down to 50 m (165 ft). Their diet consists of crustaceans, molluscs, and small fishes; strong jaws are used to crush shells, and they often excavate buried invertebrates from sandy substrates. Many species exhibit territorial behaviour, actively defending their chosen areas against intruders.