Redtooth Triggerfish

Interesting Info

• The Redtooth Triggerfish are common in Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef, especially along outer reef slopes and drop-offs where currents deliver food.
• They have a slim, deep-bodied shape with a glowing blue body, a long trailing tail filament, and a mouth designed for picking tiny plankton from the water.
• Instead of cruising alone, they gather in huge schools — sometimes hundreds strong — drifting together in the currents above reefs. Often seen between 5–25 m (16–82 ft) on reef slopes.
• They are mostly planktivores, feeding on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and even jellyfish drifting in open water.
• Juveniles are secretive and hide near reef crevices, while adults venture into the water column, often just beyond the reef edge.
• They use their strong trigger spine for protection — locking themselves into coral holes at night or when threatened.
• They are active during the day and prefer clear, fast-moving waters, which makes them exciting to see when snorkelling or diving.
• Unlike many other triggerfish, the Redtooth Triggerfish is gentle in nature — divers often describe them as shy and harmless, even in large groups.
• Their shimmering blue body changes tone with the light, sometimes appearing purple or greenish when viewed from different angles.
• Their average size is about 30–35 cm (12–14 in), but they can grow up to 40 cm (16 in) in length.
• Males often guard territories where females spawn, releasing eggs into the water column to drift with the plankton.
• Their lifespan is estimated to be around 8–10 years, though in protected reef systems they may live longer.