Fish Attack!!

Sharks are not the only marine fish that attacks humans. Triggerfish is one of those marine animals that are also aggressive.

Titan triggerfish is extremely territorial, especially during the breeding season. They will protect their nest aggressively. During these months the male will guard the nest against all on-comers, including divers / snorkelers; the ‘Protection Zone' goes directly up from the nest in a cone shape (as they can see upwards).

Their bites can cause infection as they contain a natural poison called Ciguatoxin, which can have serious affects on humans; in extreme cases causing heart attacks or paralysis. They may also use ramming techniques to scare other creature's away (including us humans).

The first time I was attacked was in Mabul Island, Semporna. I was very young then and didn't have any experience with this kind of thing. I didn't see the triggerfish and only realized that it was attacking me when it was only a couple of meters in front of my face. It looked crazy with its vampire-like teeth!! I didn't know what to do so I swam quickly backwards and just push my fins at it. It finally swam back to its nest once I was at a proper distance from its nest. Boy! talk about being very garang!!

After that episode I am very coutious whenever I see triggerfish. I have a very healthy respect towards them :) Encountered a few more aggressive triggerfish in Indonesia.. just be aware of your surrounding and watch out for them.

Sal's tip: I just give them a wide berth. If you're diving, you could just purge your octopus at them. If you're snorkeling, kick your fin at it while swimming away. They are pretty ok during non-breeding season ;)

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