Humu Picasso Trigger (Rhinecanthus aculeatus)

The Humu Picasso Trigger (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) is one of the most recognizable fish in the marine hobby, named for the bold, abstract brushstrokes of blue, yellow, and black that streak across its body. It is an intermediate-level, semi-aggressive saltwater fish packed with personality: curious, interactive, and famous for rearranging its own tank. Explore the rest of our saltwater livestock and marine fish to round out your system.

Care Guide

Once acclimated, the Humu Picasso Trigger is hardy and forgiving, which makes it a great introduction to keeping triggerfish. Give it plenty of open swimming space along with a rock aquascape that includes caves and overhangs it can claim as a home base. Triggers are intelligent and active, so expect yours to dig in the sand, nudge small rocks around, and watch you from the glass.

A secure, tight-fitting lid is recommended, since startled triggers can jump. These are messy eaters with hearty appetites, so strong filtration and consistent water changes keep water quality stable. Feed a varied carnivore diet (see below) and house only one trigger per tank unless the aquarium is very large.

Specifications

Compatibility

The Humu Picasso Trigger is semi-aggressive and grows more territorial as it matures, so pair it with other robust, similarly sized marine fish that can hold their own: tangs, large angelfish, larger wrasses, and other semi-aggressive species. Strong in-stock tankmates include the Purple Tang and the Neon Wrasse. Avoid small, timid, or slow fish, which may be bullied or eaten.

This is not a reef-safe fish. It will hunt shrimp, crabs, snails, and other invertebrates, and it may nip clams and corals, so keep it in a fish-only or FOWLR (fish-only-with-live-rock) system. As a rule, house only one triggerfish per tank.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• SFBB Freeze Dried Mysis Shrimp, a protein-rich staple triggers love
• Marine pellets and frozen foods to keep the diet varied
• Occasional hard-shelled foods (krill, clams, or shrimp on the half shell) to help wear down constantly growing teeth
• Marine salt mixes for clean, consistent water changes
• Saltwater test kits to keep parameters stable

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Humu Picasso Trigger reef safe?
No. It will eat shrimp, crabs, snails, and other invertebrates and may nip corals or clams. Keep it in a fish-only or FOWLR setup.

How big does it get and what size tank does it need?
Adults reach about 10 inches. We recommend at least 90 gallons, with 120 gallons or more for a full-grown adult plus plenty of open swimming room.

Can I keep more than one triggerfish together?
Generally no. House one trigger per tank unless the aquarium is very large, as they are territorial toward their own kind.

What should I feed it?
A varied carnivore diet of meaty foods such as mysis and krill plus quality marine pellets, with occasional hard-shelled items to wear down their teeth.