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Clown Triggerfish

Big-spotted Triggerfish Family: Balistidae

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Balistoides conspicillum

   This has got to be the most creatively designed fish! What an incredible combination of patterns, and fun colors! The Clown Triggerfish or Big-spotted Triggerfish just makes you want to smile!

   The Clown Triggerfish or Big-spotted Triggerfish is one of the most spectacular looking marine species. The round spots on the lower side of the body and the 'cigar' lips give it the name 'Clown'.

   Like all triggers, they need lots of space, a cave or rocks to retreat into, and house them with other appropriate fish that have similar needs and can hold their own. These guys are usually expensive but are very hardy once they are eating well. They are worth every bit of the price because of the unique appearance they will give your aquarium!

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Maintenance:
   Feed all kinds of live, frozen, and flake foods. Best to feed small amounts several times a day. We generally feed squid, shrimp (the same kind people eat), mussels, and all kinds of chopped up fish.

Habitat: Natural geographic location:
   Clown Triggerfish or Big-spotted Triggerfish are found in the Indo-Pacific: East Africa south to Durban, South Africa and east through Indonesia to Samoa, north to southern Japan and south to New Caledonia. 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.

Foods:
   In the wild, the clown triggerfish diet consists of sea urchins, crabs and other crustaceans, mollusks, and tunicates. In the aquarium they should be fed all kinds of meaty marine foods, cut up fish, shrimp, squid, etc.

Social Behaviors:
   Aggressive, do not keep with smaller fish. Do not keep with invertebrates!

Sex: Sexual differences:
   Unknown.

Light: Recommended light levels:
   No special requirements.

Temperature:
   No special requirements. Normal temperatures for marine fish is between 74 and 79 degrees fahrenheit.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   Clown Triggerfish or Big-spotted Triggerfish adults can grow to 50.0 cm (20 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 100 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
   No special requirements.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
   No special requirements.

Availability:
   This fish is available from time to time.

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Latest Comments
I have a clown triggerfish, a picasso triggerfish, and a panther grouper in a 10 gallon tank and they are doing fine so far! They never fight and when they do it seems they are just playing. They are great fish! johnny kap 2009-10-25
I have a clown triggerfish with a picasso triggerfish and a yellow tang and even though they fight they make great aquarium pets! some fish lover! 2009-10-23
I had one then my undulate ate his eyes out and tore him up! NP 2009-09-10
I have had a huma huma and two clowns, they're great! The clown I have currently is the smallest in the tank yet continues to slightly bully his larger dogface puffer cousin. He is in constant display mode, patrolling the tank like a beat cop. aqua lion 2008-09-08
one time i had a clown trigger. he had been in my tank for 7 months and i had bought a mandari. when i put it in he didnt go for him and i was very shocked. each time i turned on the light each morning i got up, i always saw the trigger and mandarin both touching each other under the rock. the trigger was tilted over the mandarin and they both swam together, so they must of become friends. my 1 foot panther didnt go for him and so he looked like he was well fed by me. i am andrew pole in southampton andrew james pole 2006-04-13
Some of the coolest comments:
Just got my first Clown Trigger! My local fish store had a little one. I talked the guy into giving it to me for $20! I dont think they will be in buisness long! :) Hes got amazing color. I thing he will be the best Ive ever seen when he gets bigger! Chase 2003-11-19

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