Introducing the common triggerfish
The common triggerfish is a fairly common fish in the Atlantic and is becoming increasingly common on the Mediterranean coast. Its scientific name is Balistes capriscus and it belongs to the Balistidae family. The common triggerfish is sometimes referred to as grey triggerfish, parrot triggerfish or sea pig.
Its oval gray body, large head and small eye make it easy to identify. The common triggerfish has a dorsal fin with three spines and a crescent-shaped caudal fin. It can grow to over 50 centimetres.
The triggerfish, a biting fish?
When water temperature rises, triggerfish move closer to the coast and can evolve in little water. In winter, they can be found deeper, at depths of between 40 and 100 meters.
It has a strong mouth with 22 teeth, which it uses to feed on a variety of shellfish. The triggerfish can sometimes bite bathers to defend its nest and make headlines. During its summer breeding season, the female digs a nest on the sandy bottom. In this hole, she lays her eggs, which are then ventilated by the female and fiercely defended by the male, resulting in a few reported attacks on bathers.
Fishing for triggerfish
Although warmer waters have led to an increase in the triggerfish population on our coasts, fishing for this species remains anecdotal, as it is not much sought-after by fishermen. Opportunistic and aggressive, the triggerfish won't hesitate to pounce on a crab destined for sea bream or even on a lure passing nearby.
The triggerfish should be handled with care due to its aggressive teeth. It is an edible fish species to be eaten fresh.
