Clown triggerfish

Facts

Scientific name:

Balistoides conspicillum

Biology:

Lives in clear coastal to outer reef habitats . Occurs in clear seaward reefs adjacent to steep drop-offs. A solitary species . Uncommon to rare throughout most of its range . Adults usually seen along deep drop-offs, swimming about openly and may retreat to caves when approached. Juveniles secretive in small caves with rich invertebrate growth . Diet consists of sea urchins, crabs and other crustaceans, mollusks, and tunicates . Marketed fresh . Among the most highly prized aquarium fishes .

IUCN Red List Status:

Not Evaluated

Threat to humans:

Reports of ciguatera poisoning

Photos & Description

License type:

CC-BY-SA

Author:

H. Zell

Source:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Balistoides_conspicillum_01.jpg

License type:

CC-BY-NC

Source:

http://eol.org/data_objects/20976379

License type:

CC-BY-NC-ND

Author:

Rick Winterbottom

Source:

http://eol.org/data_objects/24181266

See my photos of this species See photos of this specie from other users

Short description:

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-27; Anal spines : 0; Anal soft rays : 21 - 27; Vertebrae : 18. Unique color pattern of large white spots on belly, black spots on yellow background on the back, yellow snout. A white or yellowish band across snout in front of eye. Lips and the area around mouth orange-yellow. A broad vertical white, slightly yellowish band on caudal fin. Scales enlarged above pectoral-fin base and just behind gill opening to form a flexible tympanum. Rows of small anteriorly projecting spines on caudal peduncle. A prominent groove extending anteriorly from front of eye for a distance of about 1 eye diameter. Mouth terminal. Caudal peduncle compressed (Ref 9770). 39-50 rows of plate-like scales.

Size / Weight / Age:

Maturity: L m &nbsp ? &nbsp range ? - ? cm Max length : 50.0 cm TL male/unsexed;