The Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) belongs to the triggerfish family. With a maximum size of 30 cm in length, it can be found in shallow reefs in the Indo-Pacific region and the Red Sea. It is also known as blackbar triggerfish, lagoon triggerfish, or just the Picassofish.
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It boasts a curious and striking color pattern that makes it highly popular among divers. Its rhomboidal body of pale bronze color is crossed by lines of blue, orange, black, and white that run from the dorsal fin to the eyes. Seven alternate blue and black bands cross the forehead and descend to the pectoral fins. It has another line that connects the dorsal fins, passing over the mouth, which bears yellow lines. The eyes, framed in a striking orange, work independently, allowing it to explore the reef perfectly. This fish has an extraordinary chromatic vision, similar to that of humans.
Like other triggerfish species, the Picasso triggerfish can use its powerful dorsal fins to hide in reef crevices. It drives these fins into the ceiling and floor of its shelter, preventing it from being taken out of that place by predators during its nocturnal rest. It's not a great swimmer, but it can swim backward, allowing it to quickly retreat into its shelter.
The Picasso triggerfish has a powerful jaw and strong dentition it uses to crack the shells of crustaceans or sea urchins, and it doesn’t hesitate to break off coral branches if it needs to reach its food. It's an aggressive fish, typical behavior of the triggerfish family, especially when protecting its eggs. Despite its aggressiveness, it is not dangerous due to its small size, unlike the titan triggerfish, which occasionally poses a threat to unwary divers who might get a good bite.
