Template:POTD/2023-11-19
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The grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) is a species of ray-finned fish in the triggerfish family, Balistidae. The species is native to shallow parts of the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Argentina and also the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and off Angola on the west coast of Africa. It is typically found over hard bottoms on reefs and rocky areas, in lagoons and in bays, at depths down to about 55 metres. It moves using undulations of its dorsal fins, and if threatened, can work its way into a protective crevice and wedge itself in place by erecting its front dorsal spine. It is difficult to dislodge from this position. The grey triggerfish is a demersal species and feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates such as shrimps, crabs, molluscs, sea urchins, sand dollars, starfish and sea cucumbers. This grey triggerfish was photographed in Arrábida Natural Park, Setúbal District, Portugal.Photograph credit: Diego Delso