A sloping snout combined with ultra-tough skin makes the Queen Triggerfish the perfect predator of Sea urchins.

 

Better known as “Old Wife” in the islands, the fish blows pressurized streams of water at an urchin until it tumbles over. Once the urchin’s unprotected underbelly is exposed, the Old Wife digs in with hard, sharp teeth.

 

Fish are both opportunistic as well as sloppy eaters. Scraps from the urchin meal attract nearby fish. Very quickly the Old Wife has to defend its meal from pirates. A wide, flat body helps with this task by blocking fish intent on raiding lunch.

 

In the end, everyone gets something, even if it is just a leftover spine to munch on.