Why are they called triggerfishes?

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Triggerfishes (Balistidae) and leatherjackets (Monacanthidae) have a first dorsal fin spine that can be locked into an erect position.

X-ray of leatherjacket
An x-ray image of a leatherjacket showing the large first dorsal fin spine above the eye. Image: James King
© Australian Museum

This is made possible by a ball and socket "trigger-like" mechanism. The base of the second spine slots into a groove in the first spine. The locking mechanism is released when the second spine is depressed.

Many triggerfishes and leatherjackets also have a shaft-like pelvic bone (visible in the following image) that can be lowered to stretch out the dewlap, a sail-like flap of skin (see bottom image).

Fanbelly Leatherjacket
A Fanbelly Leatherjacket at a depth of 9m, Fly Point Marine Reserve, New South Wales, June 2003. Image: Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti
Potbelly Leatherjacket, <i>Pseudomonacanthus peroni</i>

A Potbelly Leatherjacket, Pseudomonacanthus peroni, at a depth of 18m, Bundaberg Artificial Reef, Queensland, August 2004.

Image: Dave Harasti
© Dave Harasti

Young triggerfishes and leatherjackets can use the locked dorsal fin in combination with the lowered pelvic bone to wedge themselves into crevices.

Locking the first dorsal fin spine and lowering the pelvic bone makes an adult fish look larger and may discourage potential predators.

Further reading

  1. Helfman, G.S, Collette, B.B. & D.E. Facey. 1997. The Diversity of Fishes. Blackwell Science. Pp. 528.
  2. Matsuura, K. & J.C. Tyler. in Paxton, J.R. & W.N. Eschmeyer (Eds). 1994. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Sydney: New South Wales University Press; San Diego: Academic Press [1995]. Pp. 240.