The Zoo is
CLOSED
for the winter season.
Visit us when we
reopen in April 2010.

Clown Triggerfish

Scientific Name:	Balistoides conspicillum
Range:	Warm parts of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
Habitat:	Reefs that are rich in coral
Natural Diet:	Sea urchins, clams, snails, sea squirts, crabs, shrimp, and other hard-shelled prey
Zoo Diet:	Scallops, capelin, shrimp, squid, krill, aquarium flake food, brine shrimp, and vegetables
Physical Characteristics:	The top half of the fish is mostly black with a yellow patch containing black shapes. The bottom half is black with large white spots. Their lips are bright orange, hence the name “clown” triggerfish. Adults can grow up to 20 inches.
Behavior:	They can lock their dorsal fins upright, enabling them wedge themselves into holes or crevices in the coral. Once they are wedged in, it is almost impossible for a predator to remove them.
Reproduction:	Triggerfish breed in harems, a group consisting of one male and several females. The males will watch over a certain area or territory, protecting these females and their young. After the male fertilizes the eggs, the female lays them in a nest. The male guards the nest until the eggs hatch. When the eggs have hatched, the female looks after the young.
Notes:	To find hiding prey, the clown triggerfish blows jets of water out of its mouth towards the sand. Their eyes move independently, which allows them to scan the entire reef at once, looking for food and predators.