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Tetraodontiformes (Puffers and filefishes) >
Balistidae (Triggerfishes)
Etymology: Rhinecanthus: Greek, rhinos = nose + Greek, akantha = thorn (Ref. 45335).
Eponymy: Pablo Ruiz Picasso (1881–1973) was a Spanish painter and sculptor. The vivid patterns and colours of Rhinecanthus triggerfish have led to them being popularly known as picassofish. (Ref. 128868), visit book page.
More on author: Linnaeus.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 20 m (Ref. 9710). Tropical; 32°N - 21°S
Indo-West Pacific: Seychelles, Chagos Archipelago through northern Australia to Vanuatu, north to southern Japan.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 23.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 9710); common length : 19.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 5450)
Inhabit subtidal reef flats and protected lagoons, Ref. 48637. Found mainly in rubble-algal habitat and usually in loose aggregations. Sometimes solitary (Ref. 90102). Shy species, usually swimming away or when small, diving into holes (Ref. 48637). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Also taken by drive-in nets (Ref. 9770).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Distinct pairing (Ref. 205).
Matsuura, K., 2001. Balistidae. Triggerfishes. p. 3911-3928. In K.E. Carpenter and V. Niem (eds.) FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Vol. 6. Bony fishes part 4 (Labridae to Latimeriidae), estuarine crocodiles. FAO, Rome. (Ref. 9770)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
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