Grey Triggerfish

As a diurnal predator, the gray triggerfish feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs, sea urchins, sand dollars, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and bivalve mollusks. During one study, triggerfish were observed displaying an interesting feeding behavior. They moved away from their reef home, out over sand, and assumed a vertical position a few inches above the bottom. The fish directed a stream of water at the sand with enough force to reveal sand dollars living below the surface. If none were present, the fish moved about three feet away and continued this behavior. When the triggerfish was successful at exposing a sand dollar, it repeated the blowing action, further exposing the prey. Next, the triggerfish darted in, grabbing the sand dollar with its beak-like teeth, lifting it above the bottom and dropping it. This process was repeated until the sand dollar landed upside down. This was followed by the triggerfish assuming a vertical position over the sand dollar, and with jaws closed, thrusting downward, crushing the center. The fish then ate the soft inside tissues of the sand dollar. Triggerfish also locate and eat sea urchins in a similar manner. Juvenile triggerfish associated with sargassum communities feed on algae, hydroids, barnacles, and polychaetes.

 

With very small mouths, to target triggerfish, you must usesmall hooks. 1/0 to 2/0 circle hooks on a chicken rig is a popular choice. Squid is the preferred bait in many locations.  Clams are also a good choice when targeting triggerfish. Other good baits include Asian shore crabs, fiddlers, green crabs, or shrimp. 

Despite its tough skin, with a texture resembling concrete, it is an excellent food-fish. Fried Triggerfish sandwhiches are a staple in some southern coastal households.