The wedgetail triggerfish is a tropical fish species easily recognizable by its colorful pattern.

The wedgetail triggerfish has a robust, stocky body, with a broad head and a prominent snout. Its coloration is dominated by orange-brown tones on the upper part of the body, contrasting with a white to whitish head and belly. A broad oblique black band crosses the eye and extends toward the lower part of the body to the base of the anal fin. The caudal peduncle and rear part of the body bear a triangular, wedge-shaped black marking bordered in yellow and accompanied by a second parallel yellowish line. The base of its pectoral fin features a vivid reddish-orange arc.

With its unique colorful geometric patterns, it is nicknamed « Picasso » due to its artistic appearance. Like a chameleon, the wedgetail triggerfish can adjust the intensity of its coloration depending on the circumstances.

The wedgetail triggerfish is a medium-sized fish, typically measuring between 6 and 8 inches in length, though some individuals can reach a maximum size of 12 inches.

The wedgetail triggerfish is found in the tropical waters of the western and central Pacific, as well as in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, notably along the coasts of eastern Africa, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Taiwan, southern Japan, the Samoa islands, the Marquesas and Hawaii.

The wedgetail triggerfish inhabits shallow coral reefs, typically between 33 and 66 feet deep. It is often seen on bare rocks or in areas formed by coral spur-and-groove structures, where the substrate alternates between rocks, corals and debris. Juveniles prefer algal reefs, zones where attached algae cover the substrate, providing both food and shelter for young fish.

The wedgetail triggerfish is omnivorous with a carnivorous tendency. It feeds mainly on algae, organic debris, mollusks, crustaceans, marine worms, echinoderms, fish, sponges and eggs. It also helps maintain the health of coral reefs by clearing corals of invasive algae and small debris.

The wedgetail triggerfish is oviparous and is known for its territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season when it vigorously defends its territory against intruders. After fertilization, the eggs are deposited in a nest dug into the soft substrate.

The Hawaiian name of the wedgetail triggerfish is « Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa », meaning « pig-nosed fish ». This name refers to the shape of the fish's snout, which resembles that of a pig. It was elected the official state fish of Hawaii in 1985 for a five-year period. After 1990, no decision was made to renew or replace it, causing it to lose its title, which it finally regained permanently in 2006.

Like all triggerfish, it has a first dorsal fin composed of three spines that functions like a trigger. When lowered, the wedgetail triggerfish can slip into a crevice for shelter and stay in place by raising its dorsal fin. Secured in this way, it can spend the night without being swept away by currents.

The wedgetail triggerfish is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The wedgetail triggerfish appears in the IUCN Red List since 2022 within the category Least Concern !