Among Barbados' reefs, rubble, and nearby sandy habitats lives a species of fish that deserves the 'Underwater Mother of the Year' award. This is the Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula), or what is commonly known in Barbados as the Old Wife.
The origin of this name comes from the 1804, General Zoology Volume 5, Part 2: Pisces, where it quotes “It [triggerfish] is supposed to have obtained the popular title of Old Wife Fish from the appearance of the mouth when viewed in front, as well as from the slightly murmuring noise which it utters when first taken.”
The Old Wife's spawning season ranges from December to August which is spent fanning and guarding its nest of eggs from predators, often inflicting a strong bite on intruders during this season.
It is one of the few reef fish that actively protects its offspring, highlighting the species' strong maternal instincts.
These fearsome and dedicated mothers under water display similar traits to their human counterparts on land; being caring and protective of their young. In that light, the Barbados Fisheries Division celebrates all mothers on this day, who actively look after their children to ensure that they are properly cared for.
With that we would like to wish all mothers and those who play the important role a Happy Mother's Day!
References:
- Queen Triggerfish Balistes vetula Age-Based Population Demographics and Reproductive Biology for Waters of the North Caribbean https://www.mdpi.com/2410-3888/9/5/162