Grey Trigger
Balistes capriscus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 300 gallons+ |
| Max Size | 24 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Grey Trigger (Balistes capriscus) is a heavy-bodied Atlantic triggerfish with a uniform grey base color and fine blue spotting and lines that show most clearly under bright lighting. It’s a bold, diurnal swimmer that spends its day cruising open water and working along rock and sand for food.
What You’ll Observe:
- Patrols the tank with steady, deliberate swimming, then stops to inspect rock seams and the bottom
- Uses short bursts of water to shift sand and expose items on the substrate
- Picks a favorite cave or crevice and “locks in” when resting
- Learns the daily routine quickly and comes forward when it’s time to eat
For best results, provide a large aquarium with securely stacked rockwork and open swimming lanes. Offer a varied menu of meaty marine foods (clam, shrimp, squid, krill) and include hard items periodically so it can work its teeth naturally. With consistent feeding and a stable layout, it settles into a predictable, interactive centerpiece fish.
Why does it wedge itself into a tight cave and look “stuck”?
Many triggerfish rest by bracing themselves into rockwork, which helps them feel secure and hold position in flow.
Does it need hard foods, or are frozen foods enough long-term?
A varied frozen diet works well, and adding hard items like clam on the half shell periodically helps support natural tooth wear.
Will it rearrange rockwork or pick up objects?
It often investigates and “tests” items with its mouth; stable rockwork and firmly mounted equipment make day-to-day behavior easy to live with.
Can it lose color over time in captivity?
Keepers often see better, more consistent color with a varied diet and steady day/night lighting, rather than one single food used long-term.
Is it better as a single trigger, or can I keep two?
Most hobbyists plan for one trigger as the main personality fish, especially as it matures, and build tankmate choices around that role.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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