Posted by Ken Kurtis on July 25, 2004 at 12:58:52:
In Reply to: Triggerfish at Marineland posted by Max Bottomtime on July 25, 2004 at 11:11:41:
Most likely a Finescale Trigger. According to Paul Humann's "Coastal Fish ID" (p. 158) it's considered rare for California.
The position you found it in (head-first) is a defensive/protective one. The fish can raise it's trigger, thereby "locking" it in place under the rock, and making it impossible for a predator to pull it out.
Ken Kurtis
NAUI Instr. #5936
Co-owner, Reef Seekers Dive Co.
Beverly Hills, CA