triggerfish

[ trig-er-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) trig·ger·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) trig·ger·fish·es.

1. any of various compressed, deep-bodied fishes of the genus Balistes and allied genera, chiefly inhabiting tropical seas, having an anterior dorsal fin with three stout spines: some are edible while others are poisonous.

triggerfish

/ ˈtrɪɡəˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any plectognath fish of the family Balistidae , of tropical and temperate seas. They have a compressed body with erectile spines in the first dorsal fin

Word History and Origins

Origin of triggerfish¹

First recorded in 1880–85; trigger + fish

Example Sentences

On the Sea of Cortez side, you’ll catch triggerfish by shore-casting with lures.

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