Rhinecanthus aculeatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Humu Picasso Triggerfish, scientifically known as Rhinecanthus aculeatus, belongs to the Balistidae family and is characterized by its distinctive peaceful nature compared to other Triggerfish species. These fish have a fascinating appearance with various common names in different languages, including Picassofisk (Danish), Whitebarred triggerfish, and Picasso triggerfish (English), Baliste Picasso (French), and Picassofisch (German). They are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the South African coast, and eastward to islands like Hawaii and Japan.

Aquarium Suitability

The Humu Picasso Triggerfish is deemed suitable for aquarium keeping, but with caution due to its aggressive behavior towards other fish, inclination to prey on small fish and invertebrates like shrimps and crabs, and a tendency to bite. These fish require a spacious tank of at least 1500 liters to minimize aggressive tendencies. Regular feeding, ample hiding spots, and a diverse diet can help manage their aggression to some extent.

Care and Hardiness

Considered to have average hardiness, the Humu Picasso Triggerfish need specific care to thrive in captivity. They should be provided with foods that prevent their teeth from overgrowing, like clams, as overgrown teeth may require stressful trimming. Additionally, these fish exhibit playful personalities, often rearranging rocks and sand in the aquarium, requiring secure rock placement. They also emit grunting sounds when feeling threatened, necessitating adequate hiding places among live rocks.

Reef Suitability

The Humu Picasso Triggerfish is not reef-safe due to its predatory nature towards crustaceans and small invertebrates found in reef environments. Therefore, caution is advised when considering housing them in a coral aquarium.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Humu Picasso Triggerfish, it is essential to provide ample space for swimming and exploration, along with sturdy rock formations for hiding and territory marking. Given their tendency to bite on wiring and plastics, precautions should be taken to secure these items or offer alternative objects for them to investigate.

Behaviour

These Triggerfish have a reputation for being aggressive towards other species, needing proper space to reduce territorial disputes. They have been known to exhibit curious behaviors, like swirling sand to uncover food and spraying water from the tank's surface. Ensuring a varied diet and engaging stimulation can help mitigate potential aggression.

Feeding and Diet

The Humu Picasso Triggerfish have dietary requirements that include fish, larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans like krill and mysis. A varied diet is crucial for their overall health and teeth maintenance.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, these Triggerfish are found in the East and West Indian Oceans, as well as Indonesia. They inhabit coastal regions ranging from the Red Sea to Southern Africa and Eastward to various Pacific islands. The species prefers rocky or sandy substrates in tropical marine environments.