Species guide
How to catch Ocean triggerfish
Canthidermis sufflamen
saltwatergame fishBalistidae
The ocean triggerfish is a distinctive saltwater fish with a short, deep body shape. It is known for inhabiting drop-offs of seaward reefs and often associates with floating Sargassum. This species can grow up to 65 cm and is valued by anglers.
Where they live
Found near drop-offs of seaward reefs from shallow waters down to 60 meters, mostly in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico regions. Often solitary or in small groups, sometimes near floating Sargassum.
Typical size
Up to about 65 cm
What they eat
- small crabs
- sea anemones
- long-spined sea urchins
- rock-boring urchins
- gastropods
- barnacles
- plankton
Best baits
- crab pieces
- shrimp
- chunk bait
Best lures
- soft plastic jigs
- small swim baits
- reef fish imitations
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- jigging near reef drop-offs
- casting near Sargassum mats
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