The strikingly colored Balistoides conspicillum is highly sought after in the aquarium trade, resulting in a high price.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 45 cm
color
Black with very large white spots on lower half of body. Yellow markings around mouth, on face and fins. A yellow reticulum anteriorly on back.
order
Tetraodontiformes
family
Balistidae
habitat and biology
Typically inhabiting outer reef terraces with strong currents, this species feeds on small benthic creatures.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with three spines and 24-26 rays, an anal fin with 21-23 rays, a pectoral fin with 14 rays, a deep groove anterior to the eye, a region around the lips that is fully scaled, three to four rows of spines posteriorly on the side of the body, and a caudal fin that is rounded with acute corners.