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Basics

Scientific Name: Rhinecanthus aculeatus

Family: Balistidae

Origin: Hawaii, Fiji, Maldives, Tahiti

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Lifespan: 10 years, possibly longer
• Reef Compatible: No
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Maximum Size: 10"
• Diet: Carnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

Overview

The Picasso Triggerfish, named for the famous painter, is also called the Lagoon Triggerfish and by Hawaiians Humuhumunukunuku apua'a--or just Humuhumu for short. It is Hawaii's state fish. It possesses a white and grey body with various intricate markings in black, golds, blues and yellows. 

It requires a tank with lots of rock and caves and will rearrange the decor at will. It can live with other large, semi-aggressive fish but smaller fish may become meals. It will also likely eat any invertebrates in the tank. Generally, the more tank space it has the less aggressive it should be towards other fish. They will eat meaty live and frozen food and may also accept pellets and flakes and other formulations.