BBC - Science & Nature - Sea Life - Fact files: Ocean trigger fish

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28 May 2012
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Ocean trigger fish
Canthidermis sufflamen

Ocean triggerfish are open water fish, commonly found around sargassum weed or on reef drop-offs. They get their name from the sharp spine on the dorsal fin which can be locked into position.

Statistics
They grow up to 65cm (2ft) in length and can weigh up to 4.5kg (10lbs).

Physical Description
They are brownish grey in appearance. Their dorsal and anal fins are highly elevated, the longest one being the same length as the head.

Distribution
They occur in the western Atlantic from eastern US to South America but are probably more widespread.

Habitat
They are occasionally found in shallow water but are more likely to live near the drop-offs of seaward reefs.

Diet
Trigger fish feed on coral and molluscs.

Behaviour
These are usually solitary fish, but can be found in small groups in open water.

Conservation status
They are not on the IUCN Red List.

Notes
They are caught commercially as a gamefish and for aquarium collections

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