Black fish with bold white spots on the lower body, yellow and black leopard-like markings below the dorsal fin , and a yellow mouth with a thin white ring.

Clown triggerfish

Balistoides conspicillum
Where at Shedd?
Wild Reef
Diet Sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks and tunicates
Size Length: Up to 20 inches (50 cm)
Type Fishes
Range Indian and West-Central Pacific Oceans
Habitat On steep slopes of clear sea-facing reefs. Juveniles tend to hide in caves.

Did you know?

  1. When threatened, a triggerfish dives into a hole or crevice in the reef, then wedges itself into the shelter by erecting the large dorsal spine on its head.
  2. The spine is locked into place by a second, smaller spine behind it. Another spine on the fish’s belly extends to help wedge the fish securely into its shelter.
  3. The powerful jaws grasp the wall of the hole providing additional security. Triggerfish also use this wedging behavior at night when they rest within the reef.
  4. Triggerfish can move each eye independently.