Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called triggerfishes?
An x-ray image of a leatherjacket showing the large first dorsal fin spine above the eye. View larger image.
An x-ray image of the large serrated first dorsal fin spine of a leatherjacket. The smaller second spine to the left can lock the first dorsal fin into an erect position. View larger image.
A Fan-bellied Leatherjacket (view fact sheet) at Lady Reef, south-west Rocks, New South Wales. The arrow points to the dewlap.
Many of the triggerfishes (Family Balistidae) and leatherjackets (Family Monacanthidae) have a first dorsal fin spine that can be locked into an erect position.
This is made possible by a ball and socket "trigger-like" mechanism. The base of the second spine slots into a groove in the first spine. The locking mechanism is released when the second spine is depressed.
Many triggerfishes and leatherjackets also have a shaft-like pelvic bone (visible in the top image) that can be lowered to stretch out the dewlap, a sail-like flap of skin (see bottom image). Young triggerfishes and leatherjackets can use the locked dorsal fin in combination with the lowered pelvic bone to wedge themselves into crevices.
Locking the first dorsal fin spine and lowering the pelvic bone makes an adult fish look larger and may discourage potential predators.
View more leatherjacket spines.
Further reading
- Helfman, G.S, Collette, B.B. & D.E. Facey. 1997. The Diversity of Fishes. Blackwell Science. Pp. 528.
- Matsuura, K. & J.C. Tyler. in Paxton, J.R. & W.N. Eschmeyer (Eds). 1994. Encyclopedia of Fishes. Sydney: New South Wales University Press; San Diego: Academic Press [1995]. Pp. 240.
