Lagoon Triggerfish

Lagoon Triggerfish

Description of the Lagoon Triggerfish
The Lagoon Triggerfish is also known as the Blackbar Triggerfish, Jamal and Picassofish. They are smaller and less aggressive than other triggerfish. It is advisable to keep them in a tank with other large species and ensure they have plenty of room to swim and lots of hiding places to minimise aggression. The lagoon triggerfish sleeps on its side!

Profile of the Lagoon Triggerfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Lagoon Triggerfish species.

• Size: Up to 30cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1 to 8.4. Temp 21 to 24 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding: Flaked or Frozen Food

• Temperament: Can be aggressive towards smaller fish

• Habitat: Reef Dwellers at depths of up to 50m

• Behaviour: They can bite!

• Range: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Scientific Classification of the Lagoon Triggerfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Rhinecanthus aculeatus

• Popular Name: Lagoon Triggerfish - Jamal - Blackbar Triggerfish - Picasso Fish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Tetraodontiformes

• Family: Balistidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Lagoon Triggerfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Lagoon Triggerfish slimy?
Lagoon Triggerfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Lagoon Triggerfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Lagoon Triggerfish have gills?
Gills enable the Lagoon Triggerfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Lagoon Triggerfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Lagoon Triggerfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Lagoon Triggerfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Lagoon Triggerfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Lagoon Triggerfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Lagoon Triggerfish