Titan Triggerfish

Photo: Chris Sutor · © all rights reserved

Titan triggerfish are the apex territorial species on the British Loyalty wreck, with multiple large individuals defending nest sites within the superstructure and on the hull. During the March to July breeding season, nesting females become extremely aggressive and will charge and bite divers — their biting force is sufficient to puncture neoprene and draw blood — making the wreck one of the Maldives' most instructive sites for learning to respect this species. Outside breeding season they perform a valuable ecological function, excavating dead coral and exposing substrate that is quickly colonised by sponges and other filter feeders.