X IS FOR XANTHICHTHYS AUROMARGINATUS : A-Z Challenge

Welcome to Day 24 of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.  My theme is:

Wildlife Encounters

There are about forty species of triggerfish many of which have very beautiful markings. Xanthichthys auromarginatus - or the Gilded Triggerfish is one such fish and I was delighted to see it whilst diving in the Philippines. 

Male Gilded Triggerfish

Blue Triggerfish

Hunting triggerfish are fascinating to watch. They use their fins to flap away debris and squirt water from their mouths in their search on the seabed for prey such as worms or crabs. 

Triggerfish have a reputation with divers as being aggressive. Their aggression is usually triggered (sorry) when they are protecting their nests. 

My husband and I were once attacked by Titan triggerfish when we inadvertently swam over an area of nests. We had fish coming at us from all directions. We positioned ourselves back to back so that we could kick out to prevent being bitten, whilst at the same time swimming out of their territory!

Apo Island, Phillippines

Keeping a wary eye on a Titan Triggerfish

Normally it’s not difficult to avoid triggerfish attacks – but I do keep a cautious eye on Titan triggerfish when I see them.

The Gilded Triggerfish has a reputation for being far more docile.

See you tomorrow – I’m heading west and slightly north. Can you guess where and what the next animal will be?

If you want to blog-hop to the next A-Z Challenge blog, please click HERE