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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Balistidae (Triggerfishes)
Natural Range: Indian and Pacific Oceans
Depth: 1 to 246 ft. Size: 20 in. Jumps: No Space: 350+ gal.
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Invertebrates - sea urchins, crabs, molluscs, tunicates
Natural History: The Clown Triggerfish is rare and found individually on clear outer reef zones next to dropoffs. Adults swim openly near caves and will retreat if approached. Juveniles are much more secretive and hide in caves regularly.
Husbandry: The Clown Triggerfish is aggressive and may kill tankmates after peaceful cohabitation for long periods of time. It normally gets much more aggressive as it reaches adulthood and should be housed with other aggressive fish, in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places. If underfed, it will likely bite the polyps of corals. It normally fees on sea urchins, crabs, mollusks, and tunicates. It has been reported to bite its owner!