Description

Also known as Arabian Picasso Triggerfish, Arabian Picassofish, Assasi Trigger, Huma Huma Trigger, Lagoon Triggerfish, Picasso Triggerfish, Picassofish, Red Sea Picasso Triggerfish, Reef Triggerfish.

Found singly or in small schools, over rubble and sandy areas of coral and rocky reefs.
They feed on benthic invertebrates.
Length - 30cm
Depth - 1-25m
Western Indian Ocean - Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, Red Sea

Picasso's dig their shelters under solid objects by swimming sand away. This is done by putting their mouth against a solid object and swim like crazy, thereby creating a current that takes the sand away and making a little nest area.

Picasso Triggerfish has recently been reinstated as the Hawaiian state fish.

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!!! Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Rhinecanthus-assasi