Triggerfish| Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

aka Balistes capriscus

Getting its name from its spiny dorsal fins, triggerfish are also called grey triggerfish which is a sub-species dominant on UK and European waters. Found primarily in the warmer waters, grey triggerfish favour fairly shallow water up to around 30m deep over stony, broken ground. Also known for its small beak-like mouth which it uses to crack open shellfish, triggerfish are grey, deep-bodied and with leathery skin, and high set eyes.

FactTriggerfish hunt sand dollars by directing a stream of water to move the sand covering the sand dollars. Triggerfish then pick them up and drop them until the sand dollars land upside down, whereafter the triggerfish will crush the centre of the sand dollar and eat the soft tissue inside.

Stats

Habitat

Habitat

Under floating weed, coral reefs and shallow water no deeper than 30m.

Bait

Bait

Mussels, prawns, peeler crabs, mackerel strips, squid & ragworm.

Fishing Tackle

Fishing Tackle

Native or Invasive

Native or Invasive

Native

Where

Where

Eastern Atlantic, and in the Mediterranean. they have spread northwards and are present as far north as the Hebrides.

Catch Experience Catch Experience

Anglers can easily identify triggerfish. These territorial species are great fun to catch, and anglers need discreet gear as they are very playful with great vision. Triggerfish favour solid ground, found in weed beds and shallow reefs. Additionally, they can also be found in deeper beaches, piers and jetties. Often caught on baits presented on weed beds, a classic leger paternoster rig setup tend to work fine, allowing baits to be placed right on top of the weed bed using floating baits that are allowed to drift around the area with the tidal flow slowly. Alternatively, bait can be dropped parallel to a rock face in deeper waters. Strong lines are needed to withstand abrasion from the rocks. Ideally, a fast tapered spinning rod, paired with a tough sized fixed spool reel, loaded with either a 30lb braided line or, a 20lb fluorocarbon which is suited for strong abrasion. Circle hooks are always best as they cause less damage and are easier to unhook. Once caught, it is best not to lift the rod directly as triggerfish can be extremely lively. As they have smallmouth, half the mouth can be torn off. Instead, playing them until they get tired and slowly drawing them toward the surface in a net will work best. To release them safely, carefully twisting and turning the hook out of their mouth does the job well. For pictures keeping them submerged in water giving them a break is best. To release them back, carefully putting them back into the net and gently releasing them in the sea will ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Video

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