Common name: Grey triggerfish
General information
The Gray Triggerfish, Balistes capriscus, is a notable species within the reefkeeping community for its unique behaviors and striking appearance. Known for their tough demeanor, these fish are characterized by their grayish body, accented with darker lines and spots, and a distinctive dorsal fin mechanism that can be 'triggered' up or down.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 750 liter (200 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 60 cm (2′)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Needs large tank, can be aggressive
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. meaty foods & veggies
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyTriggerfishBalistidae
- GenusTriggerfishBalistes
- SpeciesGrey triggerfishBalistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789
- SynonymsBalistes buniva Lacepède, 1803Balistes caprinus Valenciennes, 1839Balistes capriscus Gronow, 1854Balistes carolinensis Gmelin, 1789Balistes carolinensis Gronow, 1854Balistes forcipatus Gmelin, 1789Balistes fuliginosus DeKay, 1842Balistes moribundus Cope, 1871Balistes powellii Cope, 1870Balistes spilotopterygius Walbaum, 1792Balistes taeniopterus Poey, 1860Nematobalistes forcipatus (Gmelin, 1789)
Care
Gray Triggerfish require a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim and structures to explore. They are known to be somewhat aggressive, particularly towards smaller tank mates or those with similar body shapes. It's important to provide a varied diet, including meaty foods like shrimp, squid, and fish.
Reproduction
In the wild, Gray Triggerfish exhibit fascinating nesting behaviors, with females guarding their nests aggressively. While breeding them in captivity is challenging, understanding their natural reproductive habits can be rewarding for advanced hobbyists.
Habitat
These fish are found in subtropical and tropical waters, often around reefs and rocky areas where they can forage for crustaceans and mollusks. They are adept at flipping over rocks and using their strong jaws to access food.