Clown Triggerfish

The clown triggerfish is unmistakable: a stout oval body carrying large white spots across a black belly, a broad yellow-lipped mouth, a golden saddle over the back and finely reticulated markings toward the tail. Like all triggers it can lock its first dorsal spine upright, wedging itself into a crevice when threatened, and it swims with the rippling motion of its soft dorsal and anal fins.

In South African waters it is uncommon and reaches its southern limit along the KZN coast, favouring clear, seaward coral and rocky reefs where it feeds on hard-shelled prey such as sea urchins, molluscs and crustaceans crushed with powerful teeth. Divers treasure the sighting for its rarity and colour. Triggerfish can deliver a firm bite and should not be handled, especially when guarding a nest.