Trigger Fish Claims Exaggerated

17 January, 2003

Claims that trigger fish are deadly are exaggerated hype according to the Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS).

Fisheries biologist, Dr Kerry Neil, said reports of a juvenile trigger fish found in Cairns Inlet recently had got out of hand.

Dr Neil, who leads the CRC Reef Research Centre Introduced Marine Pest program in Cairns, stressed the fish were native, not an introduced pest species.

“There have been reports calling them “piranha fish” and “deadly” which are simply inflammatory statements,” she said.

“The reality is trigger fish are commonly found along the Great Barrier Reef and play an important role in the ecosystem just like any other marine animal.”

Dr Neil said it was not unusual for juvenile trigger fish to be found in estuaries to help protect them from larger fish.

She said many juvenile fish used estuaries as nursery areas.

However, Dr Neil said the drought could also be affecting their normal navigational patterns.

“Given the drought conditions, the usual estuarine environment which fluctuates in salinity has become an environment more suitable for oceanic species,” she said.

Dr Neil said it was unusual for trigger fish to attack humans although it was a known aggressive species.

She said divers and swimmers should always take care when in a marine environment.

“There are a number of marine animals that people need to be aware of such as crocodiles, sharks and jelly fish but the bottom line is this is their natural environment and we need to be aware of that and exercise caution,” she said.

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Kerry Neil (07) 4035 0100
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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