Oban trigger

Condensed from this STV News Article.

An unusual fish known for its sharp spike and beak-like mouth has stunned experts after turning up off the west coast of Scotland.

The grey trigger fish, or balistes capriscus, is usually found in warmer waters closer to the Mediterranean. But fishermen have caught several in creels in the much colder Sound of Mull. One was so surprised that he delivered two alive to the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary near Oban, Argyll, where they have been put on public display.

Curator Mark Hind, an active member of the Scottish Sea Angling Conservation Network, said “Trigger fish are beautiful but they are Mediterranean fish which normally swim in 18 degrees.

“I have never seen one, or even heard of one being caught in this area, until now.”

The fish, which use their powerful jaws and eight sharp incisor teeth to attack and eat crabs and shellfish, usually require 18 degrees centigrade to thrive in the sea.

The two captured fish recuperated in the Sea Life Sanctuary’s quarantine tank before going on display.

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