Clown Triggerfish - Sri Lanka

Balistoides conspicillum

Triggers are very unique in appearance and behaviors. They are most commonly known for being aggressive, however, there are some species that are considered only semi-aggressive. Do not house with smaller or timid fish or they can become a snack. Aggression can be amplified in smaller tanks. Since they like to pick on smaller sessile invertebrates, they are not considered reef safe. To make the trigger feel at home make sure the rockwork has ample hiding places and is sturdy. For continued health provide a varied diet of meaty foods, multiple times a day. Since they have teeth, the trigger needs to be fed foods with a shell to keep them from overgrowing. Cautionary note, all triggers have these sharp teeth and may bite when they feel threatened. A good time to work in aquariums that have triggerfish in them is after feeding.

The magnificent species of the Clown Trigger has quickly become a favorite among hobbyists due to their bold coloration, extreme durability and outgoing personality.  Like all triggers, the Clown Trigger is aggressive, which means picking tank mates can be a challenge. Do not keep them with smaller fish or invertebrates and try to house them with fish that are their equal in size and aggression. They are very hardy and acclimate quickly. To make the trigger feel at home make sure the rockwork includes many places for the fish to hide. Feed your Clown triggerfish a varied diet of marine meaty foods, more than once per day. It’s also a good idea to make sure some of the food has shells so the trigger can work on removing the food from it and wear down their teeth in the process.