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Balistoides conspicillum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
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Balistoides conspicillum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
  • Photo (c) 2022 BSS/MCSS.
  • Photo. (c) 2024 John Nevill
Genus: ,

Scientific Name: Balistoides conspicillum

English Name: Clown triggerfish

Creole Name: Bours Landri

French Name: Baliste léopard

IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (NE)



Information

Description:

Dorsal spines: 3; Dorsal rays: 25-27; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 21-27.

Body deep, compressed. Large scales forming regular rows on body. Scales of cheek in an even, relatively complete covering. Scales enlarged above pectoral-fin base and just 
behind gill opening to form a flexible tympanum. Prominent groove in front of eye. Mouth terminal. Teeth pointed, the central pair in each jaw the largest. Caudal peduncle 
compressed with 3 or 4 rows of small anteriorly projecting spines. Caudal fin slightly rounded.

Colour. A striking triggerfish. Base colour black with large round white blotches on ventral half of body. A white or yellowish band across snout in front of eye. Lips and 
the area around mouth orange-yellow. A reticulated yellow pattern anteriodorsally. Caudal peduncle pale. Bases of soft dorsal, anal and pectoral fins orange-yellow. A broad 
vertical white, slightly yellowish band on caudal fin. Juveniles are black with large white spots, a yellow snout and a yellow patch on the middle of the back.
 


Size:

Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 50.0 cm TL. 


Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits outer reef areas adjacent to steep drop-offs (depth 1-75 m). Feeds on a range of benthic invertebrates, including sea urchins, crabs and other crustaceans, molluscs 
and tunicates. A solitary species. Uncommon to rare throughout most of its range. Juveniles are secretive, often sheltering in small caves with rich invertebrate growth.
Spawning occurs in patches of mixed coral rubble and sand on clear seaward reefs.


Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is a very rare component of the catch. 
 


Notes:

Photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. 
Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.

Photo (c) 2024 John Nevill, Victoria market. 


References:

Bray, D.J. (2022). Balistoides conspicillum in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/761 (09/07/22)
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/2300 (09/07/22). 
Matsuura, K. (2001). Balistidae. Triggerfishes. p. 3911-3928. In K.E. Carpenter and V. Niem (eds.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living 
marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 6. Bony fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles. FAO, Rome. 
 


Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G., Brighton, E. & Mason-Parker, C. (2022). Balistoides conspicillum, Clown triggerfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/balistoides-conspicillum-bloch-schneider-1801/ (Updated 17/05/24). 


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