Triggerfish are colourful, hardy fish belonging to the family Balistidae, with around 40 species found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. Known for their bold patterns, bright colours, and distinctive behaviour, triggerfish are popular among divers and in marine aquariums.

Triggerfish are generally oval-shaped, with flat, laterally compressed bodies and solid, large jaws equipped with sharp teeth for crushing prey.

They are known for vibrant colours and bold patterns, including species like the Clown Triggerfish with its striking black body and white spots, and the Picasso Triggerfish, named for its abstract colour patterns.

Triggerfish have a unique defence mechanism in the form of dorsal spines. The first spine can be locked upright, creating a "trigger" effect. When threatened, they wedge themselves into crevices and lock their spines, making it difficult for predators to pull them out. This ability is what gives them their name—when the second, smaller spine is pushed down, it releases the first "trigger" spine.

Triggerfish are carnivorous, eating crustaceans, molluscs, sea urchins, and small fish. They use their powerful jaws to crush hard shells.

Some species are known to blow water jets to overturn sea urchins or sand to find hidden prey, which shows high intelligence.

Certain species, like the Titan Triggerfish, are known for being aggressive, especially during breeding season. They fiercely protect their nesting sites and may chase away other fish—and sometimes divers—who come too close.