Triggerfish

Ornately Patterned Reef Dwellers

All it takes is seeing a triggerfish swim by to know you are officially in the tropics. These brightly colored and ornately patterned fish are common to the subtropical and tropical regions of the world’s oceans, with the highest species diversity found in the Indo-Pacific. There are roughly 40 different species of triggerfish averaging 20-50 cm (8-20 in) in length; however, the stone triggerfish reaches up to 1 m (3.3 ft) long.

Diving with triggerfish is a photographer’s delight as they are often marked with visually striking lines and spots. You can find them roaming the bottom of the reef, looking for small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins to consume. Triggerfish are generally solitary except during mating season. Take caution during this season, as they can become particularly aggressive. Explore the map below to find out where you can go diving with triggerfish.

Dive sites with this animal Show more on map

SSI New Zealand, 0632 Auckland

★★★★★ HMNZS Canterbury (Wreck)

The HMNZS Canterbury was decommissioned at the end of March 2005 and was scuttled on 3 November 2007 at Deep Water Cove in the Bay of Islands, making for a great artificial reef wreck dive.

DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

★★★★☆ Nassimo Thila

Probably one of the best Thilas in the whole North Male area. There are several pinnacles on the north of the Thila, where the main fish are, along with beautiful coral formations and sea fans. Wonderful dive for experienced divers due to the strong current.

DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

★★★★☆ Fish Tank

This dive site has many names, Fish Tank, Fish Factory, Stingray City and they all fit! There is actually a fish factory on the island and this is the reason why there are so many rays and moray eels.

DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

★★★★☆ Lankan Faru

Nice drift dive for all levels of divers. After Manta season we dive here to watch other amazing life. The reef slopes from 5 to 30m down, deeper on the bottom, sharks and stingrays are found in the sandy areas. In the big rocks, we see groupers and glass fish.

Sea Bees Diving, 83130 Phuket

★★★★☆ King Cruiser

King Cruiser is rated as one of the best wreck dive sites in Asia, certainly Thailand. Having sank on May 4th in 1997 this is an amazing wreck dive sitting at over 30m, the top of the wreck is now around 18m. Suitable for Advanced and technical divers. Large Schools of fish and beautiful coral.

TENERIFE DIVE EXPERIENCE, 38660 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE

★★★★★ Montaña Amarilla

Montaña Amarilla Bay is a magical place surrounded by the walls of a volcano. Breathtaking view on the surface and spectacular underwater scenery make this location a Marine Nature Reserve. It is particularly popular for diving tourism.