scubaseason

Clown Triggerfish

Balistoides conspicillum

Sighting evidence at Funafuti Conservation Area, Tuvalu

Clown triggerfish — among the most visually striking reef fish anywhere — are conspicuous on Funafuti's outer reef, their bold black, white, and orange patterns serving as aposematic warnings of their fierce territorial aggression. They use powerful incisor-like teeth to tackle hard-shelled prey including sea urchins, molluscs, and crustaceans, and their foraging excavates the reef surface in ways that create microhabitat for dozens of smaller invertebrate species.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Clown Triggerfish is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites