Gray Triggerfish
Food Quality:
Avg. Length
10-16in
Avg. Weight
1-3lbs
World Record
13lbs 9oz
FL Record
12lbs 7oz
View Regulations
Scientific Name
Balistes capriscus
Common Names
Common triggerfish, Common turbot, Cucuyo
Description
Gray Triggerfish gather their name from their gray coloration, however younger fish can have dark spotting or stripes that blend as they grow older. They come equipped with a small mouth filled with strong, sharp teeth. Gray Triggerfish also have a large locking spine and rough gritty skin.
Habitat & Behaviour
Gray Trigger fish can be found in rock, reef or wreck lined bottoms and are often referred to as workers in coral reefs. Found in small schools or as solitary fish they work through the coral looking for their primary source of food, bottom dwelling invertebrates.
Natural Prey
Gray Triggerfish aggressively feed during the day on anything they consider food and lie dormant at night. Their primary food sources are invertebrates particularly bottom dwelling species such as crabs, urchins, and sea stars.
Handling Tips
Lay in palm of your hand, easy to handle. Watch out for its ‘trigger’ spine on its back. Have a parrot like beak, keep fingers away from mouth – can nip you. Small spine but generally not a handling concern.
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