DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

BALISTIDAE (TRIGGERFISHES)

Balistoides conspicillum (Bloch & Schneider)
(Clown Triggerfish; Pulonon)
SL: to 26 cm (photo: 7 cm SL, Orote Pt., 24 m; aquarium)

Rarely seen at Guam, this fish inhabits outer reef slopes and dropoffs from 3 to at least 40 m.  Juveniles are generally seen below 20 m near ledges or caves.  It is one of the most highly prized aquarium fishes but also is one of the most aggressive.  One can only wonder at the possible significance of the bizarre color pattern of the Clown Triggerfish.

INDO-PACIFIC: Red Sea to Samoa, n. to Hokkaido, s. to New Caledonia.