Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789
Grey triggerfish
Balistes capriscus
photo by Patzner, R.

 Family:  Balistidae (Triggerfishes)
 Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 6,150.0 g
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range 0 - 100 m
 Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Mediterranean to Moçamedes, Angola. Western Atlantic: Nova Scotia (Canada), Bermuda, and northern Gulf of Mexico to Argentina (Ref. 7251).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-29; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 23-26. Tall, with a small mouth and plate like scales (Ref. 35388). Three faint irregular broad dark bars on body; a narrow pale transverse band on chin; small light blue spots on upper half of body and median fins, and irregular short lines ventrally (Ref. 13442).
 Biology:  Inhabits bays, harbors, lagoons, and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710). May drift with young at surface among Sargassum (Ref. 9710). Usually solitary or in small groups (Ref. 9710). Feeds on benthic invertebrates like mollusks and crustaceans (Ref. 4727). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Consumed mostly fresh, smoked, and dried salted. The flesh is of excellent quality. Because it is resistant to capture, it proliferates and competes for food with other species (Ref. 5377).
 IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (A2bd) (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Agustin, Liza Q. - 12.02.93
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 06.10.05
 Checked by: Casal, Christine Marie V. - 22.02.96

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