The Maldives is home to a variety of fish species, including several different types of triggerfish. Triggerfish are known for their diamond-shaped bodies and their trigger fin located on the top side of the fish. They also have strong jaws, which they use to crush hard-shelled prey like crustaceans and molluscs.

Here are some of the different types of triggerfish:

Picasso Triggerfish
The Picasso Triggerfish are colourful with abstract patterns, resembling the work of the famous artist. It has a light body with vibrant blue, yellow, and white markings and can grow up to 30 cm in length. We see these fish in the shallow lagoons.

Clown Triggerfish
The Clown Triggerfish has a striking black-and-white pattern on the lower half and an almost leopard print patterned saddle shape on the top side. It is a favourite of many people, due to its unique colouration and pattern. They can grow up to 50 cm in length. This particular trigger changes shape and colour when it transforms from juvenile to and adult.

Red Toothed Triggerfish
The Red Toothed Triggerfish does in fact have red teeth, which you can see as they are always on display. They are beautiful shades of midnight blue and have sickle-shaped tails. You can see the tails poking out of the reef, this is how these fish sleep by tucking themselves into the corals. They can grow up to 25 cm in length.

Titan Triggerfish
This is one of the largest species of triggerfish. It has a bright yellow body with blue-green highlights and can grow up to 75 cm in length. Titan Triggerfish are known for their territorial behaviour especially when they are nesting chasing other fish and even divers and snorkellers away from their eggs.

It is important to note that not all triggerfish are dangerous and aggressive. In fact, many species of triggerfish are shy and will try to avoid humans whenever possible. As with any wild animal, it’s important to respect their space and observe them from a safe distance.