Description: A very distinctive fish with steel grey colouration and a deep, thin oval shape, reaching up to 60 cm. Their mouth is relatively small with pointed teeth that are usually visible. The name 'trigger fish' comes from the ability to lock the first dorsal fin (one robust spine) upright using the second shorter spine - like the safety catch on a gun. Second dorsal fin and anal fin are conspicuously large, and the tips of the tail are elongated.

Habitat: Seems to prefer rocky areas or reefs but may potentially be found in many different habitats. An open ocean species (especially juveniles) and can sometimes be found washed up after bad weather.

Distribution: Predominantly a southern species, but has been recorded all around Britain and Ireland, especially rare on North Sea coasts. Most common in south or southwest.

Similar Species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species.

Key Identification Features:

• Steel grey colour.
• Deep, thin oval shape.
• First dorsal fin a robust spine that can be locked upright.
• Large dorsal and anal fins.

Distribution Map from NBN: Balistes capriscus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Balistes capriscus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Balistes capriscus

WoRMS: Balistes capriscus at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Balistes capriscus Gmelin, 1789. AphiaID: 154721.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Chordata; Vertebrata; Gnathostomata; Osteichthyes; Actinopterygii; Actinopteri; Teleostei; Tetraodontiformes; Balistoidei; Balistidae; Balistes