         
|
Clown Triggerfish
The Spotted Triggerfish or Clown Triggerfish is exotic for even a triggerfish. The body of this species is more elongated and ovoid than most Triggerfish. It is easily recognized by its velvety black reticulate pattern. The fins and back are yellow. Its lips are orange or fiery red. The underside has large, round, white spots. The unusual patterning is reminiscent of a clown face for which the fish is named. This is another large specimen. It can reach up to nearly 20 inches! When fed well, this fish grows very quickly. It will require an aquarium of at least 135 gallons. This is one species of Triggerfish that is not commonly available as junveniles. This is because young grow and mature in areas outside the reef. The Clown Triggerfish doesn’t return to reef life until it is several inches long. The limited available and great size of acquired specimens causes Clown Triggerfish to be one of the most expensive to purchase. Even worse, juveniles that are available typically don’t fare well to aquarium life. The large adolescents and adults are much hardier, and more likely to adjust to aquarium life. Like its other very aggressive counterparts, the Clown Triggerfish accepts just about any live food. Thus, it is not compatible with a reef set-up. It should be kept only with larger fish of similar temperament. Any development of trust that is established with this fish is suddenly shattered when it suddenly begins nipping at fish that it previously avoided. It is not beyond them to kill tank mates of smaller or equal size. Plenty of hiding spaces must be provided so that tank mates can find refuge from potential attacks. No matter what other species reside with this fish, only one Clown Triggerfish per tank should be kept. Be alert as this species has even been reported to attack its owners.
|
