Black Triggerfish

A Black Triggerfish in the waters off Hawaii
A Black Triggerfish in the waters off Hawaii
A view from the air of La Pelouse Bay in Maui Hawaii

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Black or Metallic.’ See more responses here.

I’m going with the Black Triggerfish for this one. This fish is very black except for distinctive light blue lines at the base of the dorsal and anal fins. Even the eyes are black and very difficult to distinguish in the water or in photos.

The exception to this is when the fish is aroused. Then, blue lines radiate from around the eyes. The more agitated the fish is, the more color is displayed until the fish is entirely blue, yellow and green, except for the fins and tail outline.

These fish often gather in large numbers high in the water, feeding on plankton and drifting algae. But they also feed lower in the water, especially when sergeant fish eggs are on the menu.

Black Triggerfish in the waters off Hawaii

16 thoughts on “Black Triggerfish”

      1. bushboy's avatarbushboy

        Way back then I don’t think anyone ever thought about it. Dad ended up breeding his own fish both freshwater and marine. Two huge tanks in the loungeroom and another in the dining room. I think Mum drew a line 😂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Graham's avatarGraham Post author

          Like many things, it’s an issue in the modern world. Here, a fish like Yellow Tang can’t be bred in captivity so they have to be taken from the wild to satisfy demands. Their numbers become noticeably depleted in unprotected areas. I can imagine your mum being less than enthusiastic about the tanks!

          Liked by 1 person

            1. Graham's avatarGraham Post author

              The demand if very much there and the people who collect the fish here do nothing to mitigate their actions. There has been a moratorium on these activities, but it’s not a permanent ban yet and might be rescinded.

              Liked by 1 person

  4. Pingback: Sunday Stills Monthly Color Challenge: #Black and #Metallic at Home and Beyond – Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

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