25.11.2025 – Chips eating sounds

Today we had Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), but my colleague asked me to write about the triggerfish because of his tour.

The triggerfish (Balistidae) is a colorful inhabitant of tropical seas. It lives mainly in coral reefs and rocky coastal regions. It owes its unusual name to a special mechanism in its dorsal spine: with this “trigger,” it can lock itself firmly into rock crevices. Once it is fixed in place, it sits so securely that you couldn’t get it out—not even with gentle persuasion.

Triggerfish are known for their bright colors and striking patterns. The Picasso triggerfish is especially eye-catching with its distinctive lines. With their strong jaws and sharp teeth, they crack open hard-shelled prey such as mussels, crabs, or sea urchins—and some species make such loud cracking noises that it sounds like someone eating chips in a movie theater.

Some triggerfish reach impressive sizes of up to 75 centimeters. They often display territorial behavior, and snorkelers should keep a respectful distance. During the breeding season, females defend their nests vigorously. Their tough skin provides additional protection from injuries.

They often live in pairs or small groups and, as part of the reef ecosystem, help maintain ecological balance. Through their diet, they play a role in regulating algae and small animal populations. They are beautiful, colorful, and sometimes a little quirky, and in the wild they contribute significantly to the diversity and vibrancy of the oceans.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Bottlenose dolphins

13:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales, Trigger fish