Clown triggerfish
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Order: Tetraodontiformes
Family: Balistidae
[Photo] Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) taken at the PPG Aquarium in the Pittsburgh Zoo. Date Sunday, February 18, 2007. Author Photo by and (C)2007 Derek Ramsey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Ram-Man). Copyright (C) 2007 Derek Ramsey
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The clown triggerfish, Balistoides conspicillum, is a triggerfish from the order Tetraodontiformes. This reef-associated fish is commonly found in the tropical Indo-Pacific and Red Sea.
Distribution and habitat
This species is a primarily marine species. This fish is found in Tropical Indo-Pacific and Red Sea coastal waters from 1-75 metres in depth (3-250 ft). This fish is generally uncommon or rare throughout its range, which includes East Africa to South Africa, through to Indonesia, and all the way to Japan and New Caledonia.
The clown triggerfish is most commonly found around coral reefs. It lives in clear coastal to outer reef habitats. It also occurs in clear, seaward reefs near
steep drop-offs.
Anatomy and appearance
The fish can reach up to about 50 cm (20 in) in length. It has strong jaws which can be used to crush and eat sea urchins, crustaceans and hard-shelled mollusks.
This fish has unique coloration. The ventral surface has large, white spots on a dark background, and its dorsal surface has black spots on yellow. There is a vertical, white (slightly yellow) stripe on the caudal fin. The brightly painted yellow mouth may be used to deter potential predators. This fish has a form of camouflage that is, or is similar to, countershading. From below, the white spots look like the surface of the water above it. From above, the fish will blend in more with the coral reef environment.
Ecology
This fish is a solitary species. Adults are often seen near steep drop-offs swimming openly, though may hide when approached. Juveniles are more secretive and occur in small caves with rich invertebrate growth. These fish eat sea urchins, crabs and other crustaceans, mollusks, and tunicates.
In the aquarium
Because of its attractive coloration, this fish is one of the most highly prized aquarium fish. Like many other triggerfish, it can require a large aquarium and be aggressive towards other fish. It should not be kept with small fishes. It will also prey on invertebrates in the aquarium. This fish can become tame enough to be hand-fed, however one should beware of the fish's sharp teeth.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clown_triggerfish
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