:  The Triggerfishes Home  >  Library  >   Fish Taxonomy   >  Triggerfishes Back Taxonomy: Tetraodontiformes, Triggerfishes  (Balistidae) General Information: The triggerfishes include about 37 species in 12 genera. These fish have highly derived anatomical features different from other Perciform fish - fewer teeth, fusion of the jaw bones, no pelvic fins or girdle, and a reduction in the number of skull bones. They are laterally compressed and have two separate dorsal fins. They are all marine. Diet: Mostly benthic invertebrates, some eat zooplankton or floating algae. Final Note: The dorsal spines of a trigger are easily tanged in a net so they should be handled in containers only. The first dorsal spine is locked in position by the second spine. They need a large aquarium for swimming. Examples at SeaScape Studio: Bluejaw Trigger (female) Bluejaw Trigger (male) Bursa Triggerfish Christmas Island Trigger Clown Triggerfish Crosshatch Trigger Crosshatch Trigger - Female Gold Heart Triggerfish Goldenback Trigger Hawaiian Black Trigger Huma Trigger Niger Trigger Pink Tail Triggerfish Sargassum Trigger White-tipped Triggerfish Back