Fish of the Month: January 2026

Introducing our January Fish of the Month, the Clown Triggerfish, Balistoides conspicillum!

Survey Regions: They are found in the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans, throughout several of REEF's survey regions including the South Pacific (SOP), Central Indo-Pacific (CIP), and Indian Ocean & Red Sea (IORS). Check out these links to view sightings reports for this species in the REEF database: SOP, CIP, and IORS.

Size:  They grow to about 20 in/50 cm in length.

Identifying Features: Clown Triggerfish are black with distinctive, large white spots on the lower half of their body. They have orange lips, a pale band across the snout, and yellow areas with dark markings along the back.

Fun Facts: Clown Triggerfish (and other triggerfish species) wedge themselves into holes and crevices on the reef when threatened, staying in place by "locking" their first dorsal spine upright. They also do this at night when they shelter within the reef.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.

Photo by Carol Cox.