How do triggerfish eat sea urchins

Triggerfish wreak such havoc on less fortunate reef dwellers that smaller fish often follow them to feast on their leftovers. Triggerfish tend to be solitary but meet at traditional mating grounds according to timetables governed by moons and tides. The males of many species appear to establish territories on these spawning grounds and prepare seafloor nests that will house tens of thousands of eggs.

Females share care of the eggs until they hatch, blowing water on them to keep them well supplied with oxygen. In some species males are known to maintain a harem of female mates.

Triggerfish are infamous for their nasty attitude and this behavior is especially evident around nests, where intruders, from other fish to human divers, are likely to be charged or bitten.

Triggerfish are attractive animals and some species have become too popular for their own good. They are sought for the aquarium trade, which has prompted fishermen to gather even threatened species from the wild.

Researchers are working to raise triggerfish in captivity so that wild populations might more likely be left alone. All rights reserved. Common Name: Triggerfish. Scientific Name: Balistidae. Welcome to ReefCentral. Because of the sheer size of our forum, we've been forced to limit selling and trading to members who've met a couple of criteria.

If you're seeing this message, you haven't met them yet. Selling and trading on ReefCentral. I have a clown and huma huma. I really want to get a long spine black urchin but I think it might be a meal. I know its hit or miss with each situation. What about a for urchin or flower urchin? Any thoughts on these guys with the triggers? I don't want the flower urchin killing the triggers either. Current Tank Info: g tank. Once females arrive, the males actively court them, and the females decide with which males they will mate.

After a female chooses a mate, she lays her eggs in his territory, and he immediately fertilizes them. Together, they guard the nest from egg predators until the eggs hatch, after which the female may visit another male or the mating season may be complete. As a result of its bright colors, the clown triggerfish is one of the most sought after reef fishes for public and private aquaria.

It is often captured in the wild to support this industry. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Home Earth Environment. Orange-lined triggerfish. A recent study by marine scientists from WCS found that triggerfish may play a vital role in helping corals grow, specifically by keeping sea urchins in check.

Credit: T. Sea urchins such as Diadema setosum can inhibit coral reef growth in the absence of predators such as orange-lined triggerfish. Explore further.

DOI: Provided by Wildlife Conservation Society. This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Global consensus needed to develop climate risk disclosures for companies 10 hours ago.

Can we assume constant C14 to C12 ratio in living tissues? Sep 19, Volcanologists want to put sensors directly into an Underground Magma Chamber Sep 16, Related Stories.

Where can coral grow best? Scientist researching optimal habitats Nov 15,