Grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 0–100 m.
Scientific name: Balistes capriscus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 66 cm
The grey triggerfish is a balistid that inhabits bays, harbours, lagoons and seaward reefs, and it may drift with the young at the surface among Sargassum. It is usually solitary or in small groups, and it feeds on benthic invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans; it is oviparous. Consumed mostly fresh, smoked and dried salted, its flesh is of excellent quality, and because it is resistant to capture it proliferates and competes for food with other species. It is recorded from the surface down to 100 m. Its range is the western and eastern Atlantic. Maximum length is about 66 cm total length, commonly about 44 cm, and it can live 15 years, maturing at about 17 cm. It is a commercial species, a gamefish and a public aquarium fish, with a high price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate to high at 46 of 100 and resilience medium, and climate vulnerability is low to moderate at 32 of 100. IUCN lists it as vulnerable.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
Back to home · United States · Species library