Care
The flamboyant ClownTriggerfish, with its outlandish body colours and patterns, is a solitaryspecies known from clear seaward reefs, to a depth of 75m (246ft). The adultfish are often observed in open water, adjacent to steep drop-offs, whereasjuveniles are much more secretive and spend most of their time in small,invertebrate-rich caves and crevices. The diet of adult fish largely consistsof sea urchins, molluscs, tunicates, crabs, and other crustaceans. Despite manydrawbacks (detailed below), this dramatic-looking fish is still hugely popular withaquarists. This is a species which grows quickly and requires an enormousaquarium due to its active nature and large adult size. There must also be plentyof suitable sized shelters amongst the rockwork. The tank should be wellfiltered, as these fish are voracious eaters, and there should be decentcurrent and good levels of oxygenation. Clown Triggerfish can be highlyaggressive, so it is best to keep only one per tank, and not with any closerelatives. Tankmates should be equally large and belligerent - this speciesshould never be kept with invertebrates or small, passive fish. Although youngerClown Triggerfish have been known to be fairly amiable, they are notorious forbeing "˜Jekyll and Hyde"™ fish, abruptly turning nasty when least expected. They are quite capable ofrearranging the décor, biting through pipework/heaters, and even attackingtheir owners, so much caution is required when arranging the décor/equipmentand when carrying out maintenance on a tank containing a large ClownTriggerfish. Avoid purchasing the really tiny specimens that are sometimes seenin the trade, as these tend not to acclimatise so well to aquarium life.Instead opt for a medium sized specimen, and ensure it is the last addition tothe tank - well settled Clown Triggerfish do not take well to newcomersinvading their territory. As the fish matures, it is likely to become quitetame with its owner and to a degree will interact through the glass. It istempting to hand feed such a characterful pet fish, but this is not a good ideaas it will be more than capable of taking a bite out of the fingers with itssharp teeth (which it uses to crush sea urchins, crabs, and other hard-shelledfoods in the wild). Bear in mind that some specimens have been known to becomeso incredibly aggressive and territorial, that all tankmates have ended uphaving to be rehomed, culminating in the Clown Triggerfish being the sole residentof the tank. Nevertheless, kept alone in a spacious aquarium, the dog-like anticsof the Clown Triggerfish cannot fail to please.
Feeding
Offer a wide variety of meatyfoods such as Mysis shrimp, krill, cockle, prawns, mussel, squid, silversides, crab,clam meat etc. Include hard-shelled foods to help keep the teeth worn down. Willalso eat frozen foods containing marine algae/greenfoods. Small amounts shouldbe fed at least 3 times per day.
Breeding
Clown Triggerfish have beenbred in captivity for the ornamental fish trade, but few details are available.They are unlikely to breed in the home aquarium as even the largest of tanksmay not provide enough territory for more than one specimen. In the wild,spawning takes place over patches of mixed coral rubble/sand, and the lightgreen eggs (entangled in a circular mass, attached to the rubble) are guardedby one or both parents.
