TITAN Triggerfish

Finally I got to see these brutal looking triggerfish called the Titan. This is the fish most Divers are afraid to bump into especially reproduction season. They kinda look like Marilyn Manson with the dark thick lips =P

I saw 4 adult Titan's & 1 baby Titan in total this trip to Redang Island. The Titan's are the largest of the triggerfish species and can grow up to 75 cm in length (30 inches) OR 2 and a half feet. Yes, I saw the fully grown ones which are 2 and a half feet long & they are real fat fishes, big eyes with big sharp teeth.

The fish can be very aggressive towards divers and snorkellers. Especially during reproduction season it is very territorial and will guard its nest, which it lays in a flat sandy area, vigorously against any intruders. Due to its size and strong teeth it can inflict serious injury. Bites may also be ciguatoxic.

The Titan Triggerfish will not always bite, but can swim at snorkellers and divers escorting them out of their territory. When the males (most colourful) start swimming in your direction, the best thing to do is swim away backwards kicking your fins as a defence. Failure to do so may result in being bitten.

As much as I was afraid to see these fellas, I'm glad I have seen them real life. Colorful but at the same time brutal looking creatures.

-AA-