Balistes capriscus

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : Grey triggerfish
French : Baliste commun

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Tetraodontiformes
Family : Balistidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 60 cm for a weight of 6.2 kg. Deep oval-shaped body, strong mouth with thick lips and prominent teeth. Grey to greenish-brown coloration with bluish edges on each scales. Lips often pinkish.

Range and habitat
Western Atlantic from south Canada to Bermuda, Caribbean gulf and south to Argentina. Eastern Atlantic from British Isles to Angola and Mediterranean Sea. Lives in rocky areas amongst algae and seaward reefs, down to 100 m deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is very common in some areas and has been declining continuously because of overfishing in others.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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