BALISTIDAE


Balistoides conspicillum
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Balistoides conspicillum
(Bloch and Schneider, 1801)
Clown Triggerfish

D III + 25-27; A 21-23; P1 14-15.

Scales enlarged above pectoral-fin base and just behind gill opening to form a flexible tympanum; 3-4 rows longitudinal rows of small anteriorly projecting spines on side of caudal peduncle. A groove in front of eye. Mouth terminal. Color: black with large round white blotches on ventral half of body, a yellow network on back; a white yellowish band across snout in front of eye; lips and the area around mouth orange-yellow; a broad white, slightly yellowish band on caudal fin. Size: maximum 30 cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan. Remarks: occurring in coral reefs to depths of 75 m. Feeds on marine invertebrates.