Fin's Fish Guide
The Big-spotted triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The clown triggerfish is a spectacularly marked triggerfish from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a dark body with large white belly spots, a yellow snout band and a yellow network around the mouth. With a strong, lockable first dorsal spine it wedges itself into crevices. As a reef predator it crushes snails, sea urchins and crabs with powerful jaws. In large specimens there are reports of ciguatera poisoning. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Big-spotted triggerfish?
The Big-spotted triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a spots pattern. Large white belly blotches and yellow accents; lockable dorsal fin spine; ciguatera risk
Where does the Big-spotted triggerfish live?
The Big-spotted triggerfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Big-spotted triggerfish get?
The Big-spotted triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the Big-spotted triggerfish dangerous to humans?
The Big-spotted triggerfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Eat large specimens with caution: there is a ciguatera-poisoning risk. Seek medical help if symptoms follow consumption (nausea, tingling, hot/cold reversal).
Is the Big-spotted triggerfish edible?
The Big-spotted triggerfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Balistoides
More from the family Balistidae
Want the complete picture on the Big-spotted triggerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Big-spotted triggerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.