Balistes capriscus
Grey Triggerfish
Maximum Size:
23.5 in (60 cm), 13 lbs (6 kg)
Longevity:
Up to 16 years.
Typical depth:
0–328 ft (0–100 m)
Behavior:
Male grey triggerfish establish territories in sandy areas from the spring through the summer, where the females lay close to 800,000 eggs. The eggs hatch within 24 to 48 hours, and a male may defend as many as three nests at the same time. Grey triggerfish feed mainly on crustaceans, urchins and molluscs.
Predators:
Amberjack, grouper, sharks and some pelagic species.
Did you know?
Young triggerfish can spend more than 6 months as plankton, which has extended their range far beyond the tropics, even to Northern Scotland.
