Finescale Triggerfish

Balistes polylepis

Finescale Triggerfish

A sturdy triggerfish of rocky reefs and sandy slopes, it flips sea urchins to attack their soft undersides and crushes crabs and shellfish with strong teeth. It can wedge itself into a crevice by raising a stout dorsal spine, the trigger that gives the family its name.

Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Tetraodontiformes › Balistidae › Balistes

Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 275234.

FAQ

How deep does the Finescale Triggerfish live?
The Finescale Triggerfish (Balistes polylepis) is typically found at 3–60 m.
Is the Finescale Triggerfish dangerous to divers?
The Finescale Triggerfish is harmless to divers.
How big does the Finescale Triggerfish get?
The Finescale Triggerfish grows to about 76 cm.