Grey Triggerfish

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Latin name – Balistes capriscus
Size – up to 40cm long
Habitat – depths of 10-100m

The Atlantic Triggerfish is a visitor to British waters from warmer Southern seas. During the summer divers can see these Triggerfish around wrecks in Lyme Bay. When hiding in crevices they hold their position using the first spine on their dorsal fin locking it in place with the second spine. The second spine also acts as a trigger to unlock the first spine and hence the name Triggerfish.

Grey Triggerfish

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Triggerfish are usually found in warmer waters, such as in the Mediterranean. However, they have been found around the west of Britain. Divers have seen Triggerfish around wrecks in Lyme Bay. Photo by Kevin Bryant.