There are about 14 species of triggerfish (family Balistidae) that divers are likely to see on the reefs around Kwajalein. As adults, all are medium-sized to large fish with small mouths but strong jaws capable of breaking coral or crushing shells. Most seem to eat benthic invertebrates, but a few subsist at least partially from plankton. Most species will dive into holes in the reef when threatened, erecting a stout, thick dorsal spine to wedge themselves in. They also tend to have thick, tough skin that probably helps protect them from getting scratched up when they dive into holes and may even deter predation in some cases. Unless otherwise noted, sizes given are maximum sizes for the species listed in Fishbase, not necessarily the size of the figured specimen.
One epipelagic species has been reported from the Marshalls, but we have not seen it (link to Fishbase):
All photos are protected by copyright. Please contact uwkwaj@yahoo.com for more information on purchase, use, or redistribution of any photos.