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Deepwater Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus abyssus) — Balistidae

Deepwater Picasso triggerfish

Rhinecanthus abyssus
Family: Balistidae

The Deepwater Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus abyssus) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
16.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–150.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Ryukyu Is.

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Description

The deepwater Picasso triggerfish is a triggerfish (Balistidae) from deeper reef and rocky water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, rough-skinned body with high-set eyes and a pattern of lines and bands. With a lockable first dorsal spine it can wedge itself into a crevice. With strong teeth it crushes crustaceans, molluscs and sea urchins. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deepwater Picasso triggerfish?

The Deepwater Picasso triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Deepwater Picasso triggerfish live?

The Deepwater Picasso triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Japan, Ryukyu Is.

How big does the Deepwater Picasso triggerfish get?

The Deepwater Picasso triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Deepwater Picasso triggerfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Deepwater Picasso triggerfish 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Deepwater Picasso triggerfish sourced
Scientific name
Rhinecanthus abyssus
Family
Balistidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
150.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Ryukyu Is. 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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