Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Rhinecanthus aculeatus
- Common name
- Picasso triggerfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Balistidae
- Genus
- Rhinecanthus
- Size
- 15–30 cm
- Depth
- 0–50 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, sand
- Behaviours
- solitary, territorial
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Rhinecanthus aculeatus reaches 30 cm. Triggerfish with complex spectacular pattern: white-beige body with black, yellow and electric blue lines and spots forming almost cubist design (hence picasso). Precise patterns including V-lines behind eye and dorsal ocellus. Lives from 0 to 50 m on coral reefs, lagoons and sand of entire Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to Hawaii). Highly territorial during reproduction, aggressively protects nest, may harass approaching divers. Signature photo subject.
Photo of Picasso triggerfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Picasso triggerfish?
- Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Picasso triggerfish?
- Picasso triggerfish is found between 0–50 m deep.
- Is the Picasso triggerfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Picasso triggerfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Picasso triggerfish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Rhinecanthus
Other species in the family Balistidae
- Balistes vetula - Queen triggerfish
- Sufflamen bursa - Scythe triggerfish
- Balistapus undulatus - Orange-lined triggerfish
- Odonus niger - Redtoothed triggerfish
- Canthidermis sufflamen - Ocean triggerfish
- Canthidermis maculata - Spotted Triggerfish
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 219890)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2407235)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia