Humu Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)

Humu Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)

The Humu Picasso Triggerfish is one of the most iconic fish in the hobby, with bold geometric markings, painted-on yellow stripes, electric blue accents, and a personality to match. Often called the Lagoon Triggerfish or by its Hawaiian name Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, this is a hardy, intelligent, character-packed fish that quickly learns to recognize its keeper and patrol the front glass like it owns the place. It is best suited to large fish-only or FOWLR systems with experienced keepers who understand its size, attitude, and habits.

Why we love it

• Stunning, one-of-a-kind colour pattern that looks hand-painted
• Bold, curious personality that interacts with its keeper
• Extremely hardy once established and adapts well to captivity
• Active swimmer that adds constant movement and presence to the tank

Suggested parameters

• Temperature: 24 to 26°C (75 to 79°F)
• Salinity: 1.024 to 1.026 SG
• pH: 8.1 to 8.4
• Alkalinity: 8 to 10 dKH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: Under 20 ppm (stable is best)
• Strong filtration and good flow recommended given the bio-load

Care and temperament

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (hardy, but behaviour requires planning)
• Temperament: Aggressive (becomes more territorial with age)
• Reef safe: No (will eat shrimp, snails, crabs, urchins, and may disturb corals while digging)
• Minimum tank size: 180 gallons recommended for adult size and territory

Diet

Humu Picassos are carnivores with strong jaws and continuously growing teeth, so a varied meaty diet with hard-shelled items is essential.

• Mysis, krill, and chopped silversides
• Squid, clam on the half shell, and chopped shrimp
• Hard-shelled foods like whole krill or small clams to help wear teeth down
• Quality pellets formulated for carnivorous marine fish
• Occasional nori or algae sheets for variety
• Feed 2 to 3 times per day

Compatibility and tankmates

• Best housed with similarly sized, robust, semi-aggressive to aggressive fish
• Large angelfish, tangs, wrasses, puffers, and larger groupers can work in big systems
• Avoid small, timid, or slow-moving fish, they will be bullied or eaten
• Not suitable for reef tanks with prized inverts, expect shrimp, crabs, and snails to disappear
• Known to rearrange rockwork, make sure aquascaping is stable and secure
• Generally best as the only triggerfish in the tank, introduce last when possible

Health and acclimation notes

Humu Picassos are among the hardier marine fish in the trade and typically adapt quickly to aquarium life. They can still be susceptible to common marine parasites like ich, so stable parameters, a varied diet, and quarantine when possible go a long way. Use caution when working in the tank, this fish is bold and known to nip fingers, especially as it matures.

What you are buying

• You will receive: 1 Humu Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
• Size and pattern intensity can vary between individuals and may become more vivid with age

As with all marine fish, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is strongly encouraged before adding to your display.