Species FishFinescale Triggerfish

Finescale Triggerfish

Balistes polylepis

CommonFish
Illustration of Finescale Triggerfish (Balistes polylepis)

The Finescale Triggerfish features a robust body with fine scales and a distinctive trigger mechanism on its dorsal fin. It is known for its aggressive defense of territory.

Habitat
Commonly found in coral reefs and rocky substrates.
Diet
Feeds on invertebrates and algae.
How common
Common

Recent Finescale Triggerfish sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Finescale Triggerfish? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Finescale Triggerfish is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love fish? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More fish

Fire Dartfish
Fire Dartfish
Nemateleotris magnifica
Five-spotted Wrasse
Five-spotted Wrasse
Symphodus roissali
Fiveline Cardinalfish
Fiveline Cardinalfish
Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus
Flagtail Triggerfish
Flagtail Triggerfish
Sufflamen chrysopterum
Flathead Catfish
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Flier
Flier
Centrarchus macropterus
Floral Maori Wrasse
Floral Maori Wrasse
Cheilinus chlorourus
Florida Gar
Florida Gar
Lepisosteus platyrhincus