Clown Triggerfish

ID points

• A patch of large round white spots on the belly
• A ring of bright yellow around the mouth, like lipstick
• Yellow net pattern on the back and a yellow patch on the tail base

Basics

Family

Balistidae

Length

35–50 cm

Depth

1-75 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Tropical coral reefs from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific

Habitat

Outer reef slopes and drop-offs

Diet

Sea urchins, molluscs, crustaceans

Easily confused with

Pink-tail TriggerfishDark brown body with a pink-white tail finYellow-margin TriggerfishAll fins edged in a bright yellow marginTriggerfishEyes set high and far back on the head, well away from the mouth

Fun fact

The clown triggerfish has one of the most arresting colour schemes on the reef: a black belly covered in large white circles, a yellow back marked with a black net pattern, and bright yellow lips. That bold patterning is probably a warning display. It locks itself into a crevice with its trigger like dorsal spine so that no predator can pull it out.

More in this family

• Titan Triggerfish