Clown Triggerfish

Scientific Name : Balistoides conspicillum

Origin : Indo-Pacific

DIfficulty : Easy

Minimum Size Tank : 200 Gallons

Temperament : Aggressive, Territorial

Temperature : 72 - 82°F

Reef Safe : No

Maximum Size : 1.6 Feet

Diet : Carnivore

The Clown Triggerfish is one of the more spectacular members of the family balistidae. Distinctly colored, this Triggerfish is all black with round white patches throughout its body as well as bright yellow highlights on its mouth, body and tail areas.

Clown Triggerfish are pricey. Prices depend greatly on the size of the specimen. Large show quality specimens can fetch hundreds while smaller ones usually go for $70.

The clown triggerfish is a giant among its kin. While not as big as the Titan Triggerfish, it can attain lengths of more than a foot and a half.

It is for this reason that only very large marine aquariums are recommended. Nothing below 200 gallons. The bigger, the better.

However, size is not the only reason why ample space should be provided. Clown triggerfish are one of the more aggressive members of the triggerfish family.

It is essential that their tankmates are equally tough fish. Some good candidates include moray eels, groupers, snappers, large angelfish and large aggressive tangs such as the sohal tang.

Like most triggerfish, the clown triggerfish has the habit of moving the decor around to suit its needs so don't be surprised to some smaller rocks in different locations once in a while.

The clown triggerfish is a carnivore in the wild. It preys on a variety of crustaceans as well as sea urchins.

The hard shells of crustaceans prove no match to the impressive strength of their jaws. Crushing force breaks through all but the hardest exoskeletons. Clown triggerfish can also deliver painful bites to their human captors.

Offer a good meaty selection of foods throughout the day. Chopped fish, clams, squid and other meaty marine life are all good selections.

The can be trained to eat pellets. A top choice among pellet brands are New Life Spectrum for large fish. A very well balanced pellet that can be considered a complete food.