TRIGGERFISHES - BALISTIDAE
General:
Triggerfish normally swim by undulating their second dorsal and anal fins, but will use their tail for rapid bursts.

Most triggerfishes are solitary diurnal carnivores, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates including hard-shelled mollusks and echinoderms; some also feed on algae or zooplankton.

They lay demersal eggs in a nest which is aggressively guarded by the female, less often by the male.

Pelvic fins fused to one spine. First dorsal spine with locking mechanism. With 12 principal rays in caudal fin. 18 vertebrae. Upper jaw non-protrusible. Upper jaw usually with four teeth in outer and three in the inner series on each premaxillary. Capable of rotating eyeballs independently.
BLACK DURGEON
Melichthys niger
Queen Triggerfish
Balistes vetula
Queen Triggerfish
Balistes vetula
TRIGGERFISHES - JUVENILES
Etymology
Greek, balein = to throw
Ocean Triggerfish
Canthidermis sufflamen