Fish of The Week

Last Update : Monday 20 August, 2001 9:26 PM

Illust : Anuwat Saisaeng

Clown Triggerfish

Scientific name

Balistoides conspicillum

Common name

Clown Triggerfish

Size

30 centimeters

Dispersion

Andaman Sea, especially Similan Islands

Area found

Near the seabed, usually swimming in clear water coral reef

Depth

15 – 30 meters

Feed on

Nibbling at small creatures on the seabed

Situation

Scarce

Conservation

This kind of fish is caught for aquarium. If there is no conservation, will be gone in the very near future.

Fish Tip

Still available at the rock piles around Similan Islands and clear water spots in Surin Islands

          One of the most beautiful fish in the sea, swims fast, stays alone, can easily be frightened. This kind of fish does not like to stay near man and will dart away when he sees one. But if he is not aware, you can swim close to observe his beautiful pattern.

          Clown triggerfish is considered a must to see for every diver. If anyone has not found him, try to go diving in clear water. Normally we see him at a distance of 5 – 10 meters. If the fish sees you, do not chase after him. You cannot match his speed. If he does not see you, you can creep in to observe him closely.

          Young clown triggerfish does not look so much like his parents, just showing resemblance. Very little other information is available because it is difficult to find them. We only know that they look for food in the daytime. At night they would hide themselves in the cave, sleeping. But the sleeping place is deeper than normal depth of night dive. Probability to meet them at night is less.

          Clown triggerfish has boundary. If you see him at any place, you can always go back to see him there, except that he has made an unwilling trip to the aquarium. Then you can only sigh.

Clown Triggerfish



Scientific name	Balistoides conspicillum
Common name	Clown Triggerfish
Size	30 centimeters
Dispersion	Andaman Sea, especially Similan Islands
Area found	Near the seabed, usually swimming in clear water coral reef
Depth	15 – 30 meters
Feed on	Nibbling at small creatures on the seabed
Situation	Scarce
Conservation	This kind of fish is caught for aquarium. If there is no conservation, will be gone in the very near future.
Fish Tip	Still available at the rock piles around Similan Islands and clear water spots in Surin Islands

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