For a regular diver, you definitely realize the potential hazard of trigger fish attacks. Trigger fish is a family of Balistidae, shallow-water marine fishes and commonly found in tropical seas. They’re usually colourful with hig set of eyes and three dorsal-fin spines used for protection.

They are territorial and when they feel intimidated, it darts into corals and erects its large and strong first spinee, which it locks in place with the second (the “trigger”); when the trigger is later withdrawn, the first snaps back down.

I had encountered this species a couple of times unscathed. But my dive buddy once were attacked at Tioman Island in Malaysia during our dive. He suffered minor cuts on his head but luckily did not require immediate medical attention.

Since their territory is in pyramid shape, one way of avoiding their attacks is by swimming straight and NOT going up to the surface. Once you have passed their territory, they won’t bother anymore.

Another tips is to bring along diving dagger when diving in area inhabited by triggerfish. If you bumped into them, just draw your dagger to protect yourself. I did that once and they went off after circling my group for a while.

Most importantly, NEVER PANIC! So you can plan your escape