If you are a victim of a triggerfish bite, don’t panic, says Doc Vikingo, a frequent Undercurrent contributor. “
They are not venomous
, nor do they carry any unusual marine pathogens.
Are triggerfish dangerous to humans?
The most dangerous of the triggerfishes are the
tropical Indo-Pacific species Pseudobalistes fuscus and Balistotoides viridescens
. … Divers should also be warned not to feed triggerfishes by hand, as even small species are capable of inflicting bite wounds on the hands.
Can triggerfish hurt you?
It is common for snorkelers and/or divers to be bitten by triggerfish because they are very territorial. However, such a
bite isn’t going to be extremely painful or life threatening
. It isn’t believed that the triggerfish bites people in an effect to consider them as a food source.
Are triggerfish bites poisonous?
Although
bites are not venomous
, the strong teeth can inflict serious injury that may require medical attention. The threat posture includes the triggerfish facing the intruder while holding its first dorsal spine erect.
Are triggerfish safe to eat?
Triggerfish might be tricky to catch, but the fight is well worth it. These fish are some of the tastiest you’ll ever try. Once you crack through the skin, their
meat
is very soft and firm. … The only way you’ll get near the tasty meat is if you puncture it through the soft area behind the gills, and work your way down.
What is the most unhealthy fish to eat?
- Bluefin Tuna.
- Chilean Sea Bass (aka Patagonian Toothfish)
- Grouper.
- Monkfish.
- Orange Roughy.
- Salmon (farmed)
Is triggerfish high in mercury?
The first five species listed above are consumed moderately to frequently, according to Oceana’s survey. However, many popular species are relatively
low in mercury
. The lowest average mercury levels were observed in vermilion snapper, tripletail (blackfish), flounder, dolphin (mahi mahi), and gray triggerfish.
Do triggerfish eat humans?
Some fish are known to attack humans
, but they do that based on the defensive survival instincts. … Among many different fish species in the ocean, Titan Triggerfish is one of the most fearsome.
What happens if a trigger fish bites you?
But if you are an unfortunate victim of a triggerfish bite, it should not be treated lightly. Their bites
can cause serious infection as they contain a natural poison called Ciguatoxin
.
Is trigger fish fishy?
The meat is clean and white and features a
sweet flavor
when it is cooked. It’s quite different from other seafood and is excellent for people who aren’t so big on fish, especially if they have an aversion to “fishy tasting” seafood. Queen triggerfish are another great species to try.
How big do triggerfish get?
Triggerfish can grow to be up to
13 pounds, 28 inches fork length
(length from the tip of the snout to the center of the fork of the tail), and 16 years old. Males are larger than females. Triggerfish become sexually mature at approximately 2 years old. Spawning occurs from April to August.
What is the most aggressive triggerfish?
The most aggressive triggerfish are
the queen (Balistes vetula)
, gray (Balistes capriscus), blue-lined (Pseudobalistes fuscus), clown (Balistoides conspicillum), and the orange-lined triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus).
How do you deal with triggerfish?
- stay calm.
- stay close to the bottom (their territory goes in a cone shape getting wider closer to the surface. …
- swim backwards and present your fins to the triggerfish.
Why do triggerfish have teeth?
Triggerfishes are approximately 40 species of often exotic-looking fish marked by brightly colored lines and spots. … Triggerfishes’ teeth are
adapted for crushing shells
. They diet on bottom dwelling crustaceans and the like. As a result, their teeth have taken on a human appearance—especially when viewed head-on.
Are triggerfish easy to keep?
While
Triggerfish can be difficult to keep in an aquarium
, the Pinktail Triggerfish is an exception. It may be a bit difficult to get them to eat when first introduced to the aquarium, but once they figure out that handfed foods are actually food, they adapt well.
Are there triggerfish in Hawaii?
The
humuhumunukunukuāpua’a
, or reef triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus), is one of the most widely recognized of Hawaiian fishes. Its angular body, distinctive color pattern, fin arrangement, and characteristic dorsal (top) spine make it easy to distinguish.
