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.