The titan triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) is a large distinctive triggerfish with a dark heavily scaled body, a deep groove in front of each eye, a naked area around the lips, and about five rows of small forward-curving spines on either side of the caudal peduncle. The species is distinctively coloured. The scales have dark centres. There is a black region with yellow spots covering the eyes and extending to the pectoral fin bases. The dorsal and anal fins have black margins. Triggerfish have a hard spine Dorsal Fin that can be locked.

The titan triggerfish is diurnal and solitary. The diet consists primarily of sea urchins, coral, crabs, molluscs and tube worms.

The nest of the titan triggerfish is usually in a flat sandy area amongst the corals and the fish is renowned for its aggressive behaviour when nest guarding during the breeding season.

The teeth, designed for crunching through hard shells and coral, can inflict serious wounds on any would-be intruders. This mouthful of teeth presents its own challenge when it comes to setting the hook whilst pursuing the fish on fly.

Experienced triggerfish anglers recommend a 9 wt rod to target them although in some instances you might get away with an 8 wt. The 9 wt is the perfect blend of lightness of presentation combined with the backbone to be able to apply pressure if the fish heads for the reef edge or a large coral head to bury it-self in the reef and jam itself there by locking its dorsal fin. Fly choices as always vary depending on the bottom you are fishing on, but normally any bonefish fly imitating a small crab or shrimp will attract the attention of a triggerfish.

Subtlety is not necessary and tapered leaders of 12 feet in length with 16 to 25lb tippets are recommended. Although triggerfish may pull quite hard, having 200 yards of backing isn’t necessary. Set the drag to protect the heavy tippets.