Wedgetail Triggerfish

Rhinecanthus rectangulus

Wedgetail Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) is a reef-dwelling triggerfish of the Indo-Pacific, recognized by its wedge-shaped tail and bold facial stripes. It forages aggressively over coral and rubble, crushing hard-shelled prey and defending a small territory.

Saltwater

Wedgetail Triggerfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Two dark oblique facial bands running across the head, including a mask-like stripe through the eye
A pale-to-blue body with a contrasting dark wedge or triangular patch near the tail base
Triggerfish body shape with a stout oval profile and a clearly wedge-shaped caudal fin

Habitat

Shallow coral reefs, lagoon flats, reef edges, and rubble zones, usually over sand or mixed coral-bottom habitat in warm tropical marine waters.

Bait notes

Use small pieces of shrimp, squid, clam, crab, or reef fish on light but abrasion-resistant terminal tackle. Small jigs and bottom-presented soft plastics can work when they are feeding on the bottom.

Behavior

Diurnal and territorial; feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins, and other benthic invertebrates by picking and crushing items off the bottom. Can be bold and defensive around nests or shelters, especially in shallow reef areas.

Caution

Has a strong beak-like mouth and spines that can nick hands; handle carefully. Like many reef fish, avoid eating large specimens from ciguatera-prone areas unless local guidance says they are safe.

Fishing notes

Fish it close to reef structure, rubble, or sand patches with short leader length and enough weight to stay near bottom. Set the hook quickly and pull hard to keep it out of coral; it is more of a bycatch/reef catch than a major target in most places.