Assasi Trigger (Red Sea)

Also known as Assasi Triggerfish, Arabian Picasso Trigger, Red Sea Picasso Trigger

The Assasi Trigger is a spectacular and highly prized Red Sea endemic species featuring intricate geometric patterns with vibrant blue, yellow, orange, and black markings similar to the Picasso Trigger but with more intense coloration and unique pattern variations. This intelligent, personable triggerfish is considered one of the most beautiful trigger species available. While sharing the Picasso Trigger’s bold personality, Red Sea specimens are highly sought after by serious collectors for their superior coloration and regional uniqueness.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Rhinecanthus assasi
• Common Names: Assasi Trigger, Arabian Picasso Trigger, Red Sea Picasso Trigger
• Adult Size: Up to 10-12 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive; territorial
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; will consume invertebrates and may damage corals
• Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons strongly preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced; requires careful tankmate selection

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Provide substantial open swimming areas with extensive rockwork featuring caves and hiding spots. Appreciates moderate to strong water flow. Ensure all equipment is secure as this species will rearrange decorations and investigate everything. Red Sea species may prefer slightly higher salinity within normal ranges.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023-1.026 (higher end preferred for Red Sea specimens)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Excellent water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• Powerful filtration system
• Quality protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Heavy, secure lid (excellent jumper)
• Protected equipment (can damage heaters, powerheads)

These maintain healthy conditions for this active, messy eater.

Diet & Feeding

Assasi Triggers are aggressive carnivores with powerful crushing jaws.

Recommended foods include:

• Staples: Large marine pellets, carnivore pellets
• Frozen Foods: Krill, squid, mussels, clams, scallops, whole shrimp, chopped fish
• Hard-shelled Foods: Snails, crabs, shrimp with shells, mussels in shell (essential for tooth health)
• Variety: Diverse diet prevents nutritional deficiencies and maintains coloration

Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; hearty appetite

Special Note: MUST have regular access to hard-shelled prey to wear down continuously growing teeth. Without proper hard foods, teeth can overgrow and cause serious health issues. Very aggressive feeder that will dominate feeding time.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Best with large, robust, semi-aggressive fish; avoid small or peaceful species
• Aggression: Territorial and can be aggressive, especially as it matures
• Reef Safety: Will consume crustaceans, snails, urchins, and may attack corals
• Multiple Triggers: Only in very large systems with careful monitoring; aggression likely

Notes & Considerations

• Stunning Red Sea endemic: More vibrant coloration than Indo-Pacific Picasso Triggers.
• Intricate geometric patterns with intense blue, yellow, orange, and black markings.
• Pattern variations unique to the Red Sea population; highly prized by collectors.
• Generally more vibrant coloration than standard Picasso Triggers.
• Regional variant command premium prices due to collection location and beauty.
• Extremely intelligent; learns to recognize owner and feeding times quickly.
• Will rearrange aquascaping to its liking; may topple unsecured decorations.
• Produces audible grunting, clicking, and squeaking sounds, especially when stressed.
• Teeth grow constantly; hard-shelled foods are mandatory for dental health.
• Can become hand-tame but may nip fingers during feeding excitement.
• Excellent jumper; tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential.
• Becomes more aggressive with age; juvenile specimens typically calmer.
• May attack new additions to the tank; introduce carefully.
• Not suitable for reef aquariums due to invertebrate predation.
• Will consume all crustaceans: shrimp, crabs, hermit crabs, snails.
• May nip at or damage coral polyps and tissue.
• Very hardy and disease-resistant once established.
• An entertaining personality makes it a favorite despite territorial behavior.
• Sleeps on its side in caves or wedged in rockwork (normal behavior).
• Native exclusively to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden; collection restrictions possible.
• Red Sea specimens more sensitive to collection and shipping stress initially.
• Requires careful acclimation; Red Sea fish often need more gradual introduction.
• May be more demanding than Indo-Pacific Picasso Triggers during acclimation.
• Once established, it is equally hardy as other triggerfish species.
• Can be kept in fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) systems.
• Best as a centerpiece fish with carefully chosen tankmates.
• Territorial displays include color changes and aggressive posturing.
• May become increasingly aggressive in undersized tanks.
• Requires substantial swimming space and territory.
• Long-lived; represents 10-15+ year commitment.
• Higher price point reflects Red Sea collection and superior coloration.

Why Choose a Quarantined Assasi Trigger (Red Sea)?

Purchasing a quarantined Red Sea specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, properly acclimated fish. Red Sea species are often more sensitive to shipping stress and require more careful acclimation than Indo-Pacific specimens. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied prepared foods including essential hard-shelled items before sale. Our quarantine process allows Red Sea triggers to fully recover from collection stress and adjust to aquarium conditions. This provides the strongest foundation for long-term success with this spectacular and prized regional variant.