Humu Picasso Triggerfish

Also known as Picasso Trigger, Humu Humu, Rectangular Triggerfish, Painted Triggerfish

The Humu Picasso Triggerfish is an iconic Hawaiian species featuring bold geometric markings reminiscent of abstract art. With striking blue, yellow, black, and white patterns, this triggerfish is highly intelligent, personable, and entertaining. While more aggressive than the Niger Trigger, it remains one of the more manageable triggerfish species for home aquariums when housed appropriately.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Rhinecanthus aculeatus
• Common Names: Picasso Trigger, Humu Humu, Rectangular Trigger
• Adult Size: Up to 10 inches
• Lifespan: 8-10+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive; can be territorial
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; will eat invertebrates and may damage corals
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate; requires careful tankmate selection

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Provide open swimming areas with substantial rockwork featuring caves and hiding spots. Enjoys moderate to strong water flow. Ensure all equipment is secure as this species will rearrange decorations and investigate everything.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Adaptable to standard marine conditions

Equipment Recommendations:

• Powerful filtration system
• Protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Heavy, secure lid (excellent jumper)

These maintain healthy conditions for this active, messy eater.

Diet & Feeding

Humu Picasso Triggerfish 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

Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily; hearty appetite

Special Note: Requires regular hard-shelled prey to wear down continuously growing teeth. 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

Notes & Considerations

• One of the most recognizable and popular triggerfish species.
• State fish of Hawaii (Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa).
• Extremely intelligent; learns to recognize owner and feeding times.
• Will rearrange aquascaping to its liking; may topple unsecured decorations.
• Produces audible grunting and clicking 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 are typically calmer.
• May attack new additions to the tank; introduce carefully.
• Not suitable for reef aquariums due to invertebrate predation.
• Very hardy and disease-resistant once established.
• Entertaining personality makes it a favorite despite territorial behavior.
• Sleeps on its side in caves or wedged in rockwork (normal behavior).

Why Choose a Quarantined Humu Picasso Triggerfish?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, well-adjusted fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied prepared foods before sale, ensuring a robust, thriving addition to your fish-only or aggressive aquarium system.