Image 3-25
Clown Triggerfish

This image of a clown triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) was captured by NOAA photographers in the waters off the coast of Fiji. This species is also commonly known as as the bigspotted triggerfish. It gets its name from the bright colors and spots, which resemble the costume of a clown. The clown triggerfish is found throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It grows to a length of 20 inches (50 centimeters) and feeds on sea urchins, crabs and other crustaceans, mollusks, and tunicates.