Description

Also known as Blackbelly Picassofish, Blackbelly Triggerfish, Blackblotch Triggerfish, Black-tailed Triggerfish, Bursa Trigger, Bursa Triggerfish.

Found singly or in loose schools, over coral, rubble, and seagrass beds, of sub-tidal reef flats and protected lagoons, rich in algae growth. Very territorial.
They feed on algae, crustaceans, detritus, smaller fish, molluscs, and sponges.
Length - 23cm
Depth - 1-20m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific

Triggerfish have a hard spine Dorsal Fin that can be locked.
When sleeping this spine is used to wedge them into place in a crevasse and so deter predators from pulling them out of their bed!
The spine is also held erect as a warning to other fish to stay away.
Several large Titans blow shallow depressions in the sand for nesting and if approached will raise this spine as a warning, if ignored they may charge, even divers! especially the Titan Triggerfish who will take a tasty bite!! Beware!!! (edit) Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Rhinecanthus-verrucosus