My mom may get me a marine tank. I want a clown triggerfish sooo badly, yet I don't know what size tank they need, if they can have other tankmates, what they eat, and any other important things about them. Can someone help?

this might help some


Clown Triggerfish
Balistoides conspicillum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)


Temperment Sociability Min. Tank Availability Area
Aggressive Solitary 135 gallons Common All Ranges


Balistoides conspicillum, commonly known as the Clown Trigger, is the most commonly seen Triggerfish in the hobby. Its color pattern makes it an easily recognized species. The fish is black, the lower half of the body covered with large white spots. A yellow speckled area is present on the dorsal area of the fish. The mouth is surrounded by a brilliant yellow patch.

These fish possess the ability to lock their dorsal spines in a raised position as a defense against larger predators. The Clown Trigger is among the most aggressive of all Triggerfish species.

This fish needs an extra large aquarium due to their large adult size and active lifestyle. Tankmates must be chosen with care; the Clown Triggerfish is an aggressive species known to take over all other tankmates. Any crustaceans kept in the aquarium will be devoured. Provide plenty of open swimming space, a sandy substrate and good lighting. A good-sized cave will give the fish a natural area to sleep.

B. conspicillum has a very powerful jaw that it uses to crush its prey. This carnivore should be fed a variety of foods such as mollusks and crustaceans. Once accumulated to the aquarium they can be persuaded to eat most anything.

A salinity between 1.023-1.027 and temperature between 75-79 degrees F is recommended. If kept in proper conditions the fish lives a long and active life.

Breeding information is unknown. The male of the species is larger than its female counterpart.

This post has been edited by jeffery: Mar 25 2007, 01:31 AM

Clown Triggers are impressive fish. They could, in my opinion, be kept in a 100 gallon tank, or even a 90, since captive specimens over 9'' are rare and something to be proud of. A large specimen will also sell for mega bucks.

They are also impressive predators, and pose a significant danger not only to other fish and invertebrates, but to human divers. Their "cousin" the Titan Trigger in particular is a very dangerous fish. I would imagine adult Clowns have few predators, most of them huge Elasmobranchs such as the Tiger Shark. Gymnothorax tesselata is also known to eat small ones.

Baby specimens are suitable for community aquaria, and adults can be suitable too as long as tankmates are tough enough to take a savage beating and also intelligent enough to get the hell out of the way. Porcupine Puffers come to mind, as do Undulate Triggers. Clown Triggers usually turn mean once they hit about 8''.

On the bright side, these fishes are very intelligent, as all Tetraodonts. And as you probably realize, they are very colourful and personable, and in my opinion these outweigh it's bad points.

Corals are safe with these fish, as are some of the commonly kept "cleaner crew". Most other invertebrates will probably be mauled (or crunched).

They will accept most foods. Ideal are mysis, squid.

-Lynden

This post has been edited by Lynden: Mar 25 2007, 02:00 AM