OP
Having gotten my training and done subsequent trips to Koh Tao, I have perhaps, beyond the normal level, of respect for Titan Trigger Fish. They're very aggressive there, perhaps due to all the divers. One time, we all dropped off the boat to find ourselves right above a bunch of nests. It was a big panic to swim out of there!
Once I started diving elsewhere, I would always signal for Trigger Fish, if I spotted one, and guides would be puzzled as to why I was concerned.
I do have a Titan Trigger Fish to thank for finally getting me my first Whale Shark experience. We were being chased by a Titan and finally got out of the area. The instructor turned around to check on us, to make sure the Titan lost interest and he started frantically pointing behind us. We thought maybe the Titan was back, but then the instructor signaled Whale Shark...
You've made a good point about Koh Tao Titans. I suddenly realized that of all the places I've been, Koh Tao had the most Titans and did seem to have clusters of nests. I'd forgotten about that.
So, a reminder to all readers, if you find yourself in potential trouble with a Titan Triggerfish swim horizontally away, not up. You need to get away from the cone of doom as quickly as possible.
It really is remarkable that as soon as you are out of the cone the Titan completely breaks off as if none of it had ever happened.
