Clown Trigger Fish

Clown Trigger Fish

Description of the Clown Trigger Fish
The Clown Trigger Fish is a very beautiful aquarium fish but can be aggressive towards smaller fish. Its unique coloring with its amazing yellow lips makes this triggerfish a very popular species. It has a powerful jaw capable of crushing the shells of crustaceans and can be tame enough to hand feed, beware of its teeth!

Profile of the Clown Trigger Fish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Clown Trigger Fish species.

• Size: Up to 50cm 

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1 - 8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Small Crustaceans, Live, Dried and Frozen Food

• Temperament: Like other triggerfish, will be aggressive towards smaller fish

• Habitat: Coral Reefs at depths of up to 75m

• Behaviour: Good community fish but does require a large tank

• Range: Indo-Pacific

Scientific Classification of the Clown Trigger Fish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Balistoides conspicillum

• Popular Name: Clown Triggerfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Tetraodontiformes

• Family: Balistidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Clown Trigger Fish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Clown Trigger Fish slimy?
Clown Trigger Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Clown Trigger Fish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Clown Trigger Fish have gills?
Gills enable the Clown Trigger Fish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Clown Trigger Fish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Clown Trigger Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Clown Trigger Fish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Clown Trigger Fish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Clown Trigger Fish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Clown Trigger Fish