New Jersey Scuba Diving

Triggers, Puffers, & Sunfish

Although it seems unlikely, these fishes are all related in the Order Tetraodontiformes. Common characteristics include:

  • teeth fused into horny beaks
  • tough leathery skin
  • swimming primarily with dorsal and anal fins rather than tail
  • pelvic fins lacking

They are all also possessed of rather higher intelligence than most fishes.

Gray Triggerfish

Gray Triggerfish

Balistes capriscus

A Profile
by Stacey Reap

Range:
The Gray Triggerfish is found on both the eastern and western Atlantic coasts. Along the Atlantic coast of North America, it ranges from Nova Scotia and Bermuda to Argentina, including a presence in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Most of the approximately 40 other species in the Balistes family can be found in tropical seas worldwide.

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Planehead Filefish

Filefish

Stephanlepis hispidus

Size: to 10"

Habitat: wherever the current takes them

Notes: Baby Filefishes of 2"-3" may be found drifting along with clumps of Sargassum weed. They are also found inshore.

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Ocean Sunfish

Ocean Sunfish

Mola mola

Size:
to 10 ft long, 11 ft tall, 4400 lbs,
but usually 4-5 ft long

Habitat:
Open ocean, usually basking near surface. This giant, slow-moving creature flaps along at the surface, propelled by its oar-like dorsal and anal fins and steering with the stump of its tail.

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Puffers, Burrfishes & Trunkfishes

Northern Puffer
Northern Puffer - Sphoeroides maculatus to 14", usually much smaller

Puffers are highly intelligent, traveling in schools, and hunting cooperatively. They prey on anything they can dismember with their powerful parrot-like beaks, including other fishes and crabs. The body is short, fat, and stiff, with a disproportionately large head.

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Norway Rat

Norway Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Size: 6-8" (body)

Habitat: everywhere

Notes:
Sorry to say, but rats are especially common around watery habitats and are excellent swimmers. They are particularly fond of beaches, marshes, ships, docks, and jetties. The next time you go diving at Shark River, take a careful look in the rocks and you will likely see one or two scampering around, dining on old fishing bait and washed-up detritus, even in broad daylight. The Norway Rat is introduced from the Old World, and in most areas today it is more common than the native Black Rat.

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Disclaimer:

I make no claim as to the accuracy, validity, or appropriateness of any information found in this website. I will not be responsible for the consequences of any action that is based upon information found here. Scuba diving is an adventure sport, and as always, you alone are responsible for your own safety and well being.

Copyright © 1996-2024 Rich Galiano
unless otherwise noted

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