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Arabian picassofish (Rhinecanthus assasi) — Balistidae

Arabian picassofish

Rhinecanthus assasi
Family: Balistidae

The Arabian picassofish (Rhinecanthus assasi) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others

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Description

The Arabian picassofish is a triggerfish (Balistidae) from the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with a striking colour pattern of blue, yellow and black bands and lines. Like all triggerfish it can lock its first dorsal spine upright to wedge itself in a crevice. With strong teeth it crushes molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Arabian picassofish?

The Arabian picassofish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Arabian picassofish live?

The Arabian picassofish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others

How big does the Arabian picassofish get?

The Arabian picassofish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Arabian picassofish dangerous to humans?

No, the Arabian picassofish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Arabian picassofish (Rhinecanthus assasi) — Balistidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) afropavo, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Arabian picassofish (Rhinecanthus assasi) — Balistidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Vsevolod Rudyi, some rights reserved (CC BY))
Arabian picassofish (Rhinecanthus assasi) — Balistidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Nikolai Vladimirov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Arabian picassofish (Rhinecanthus assasi) — Balistidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Amada44 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Arabian picassofish sourced
Scientific name
Rhinecanthus assasi
Family
Balistidae
Other names
Picasso triggerfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Rhinecanthus

More from the family Balistidae

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