Animal-World > Marine - Saltwater Fish > Triggerfish > Picasso Triggerfish

Picasso Triggerfish

Huma Huma (actually humuhumunukunukuapau'a
Thanks ~ N!)
Trigger Whitebanded Triggerfish
Painted Triggerfish Family: Balistidae

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Rhinecanthus aculeatus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The Picasso Triggerfish or Huma Huma Trigger (Whitebanded Triggerfish or Painted Triggerfish) is a very popular triggerfish probably because of its' very interesting color and unusual patterning.

   It is quite striking with the line markings of yellow, blue and black adorning a mostly white body. This fish will emit a 'whirring' sound when it is startled.

   To maintain a peaceful tank that houses triggerfish, be sure to provide lots of room and a cave or rocks for a retreat area. Also house appropriate fish together that have similar needs and can hold their own. In this case larger protein eaters such as groupers, surgeonfishes, and basses, Some eels and puffers can be appropriate too.

Rhinecanthus aculeatus

Photo: Exotic Tropicals

  The Picasso Triggerfish or Huma Huma Trigger are known to have a pretty good disposition for a trigger and are generally a peaceful fish.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Maintenance:
   Feed all kinds of live, frozen, and flake foods. Best to feed small amounts several times a day. We generally feed squid, shrimp (the same kind people eat), mussels, and all kinds of chopped up fish.

Habitat: Natural geographic location:
   Picasso Triggerfish are found in the Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to South Africa and east to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Tuamoto islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Eastern Atlantic: Senegal to South Africa. Commonly found in subtidal reef flats and shallow protected lagoons. Juveniles are secretive in rubble patches, adults swim about openly but are usually shy. They are a territorial fish.

Foods:
   In the wild they feed on algae, detritus, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, sea urchins, fishes, corals, tunicates, forams, and eggs. In the aquarium they should be fed all kinds of meaty marine foods, cut up fish, shrimp, squid, etc.

Social Behaviors:
   Can be aggressive towards members of its own species and fish that are the same size.

Sex: Sexual differences:
   Unknown.

Light: Recommended light levels:
   No special requirements.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Unknown.

Temperature:
   No special requirements.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   Picasso Triggerfish or Huma Huma Trigger (Whitebanded Triggerfish or Painted Triggerfish) adults can grow to 30 cm (12 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 60 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
   No special requirements.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
   No special requirements.

Availability:
   This fish is generally readily available.

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Latest Comments
I have a Picasso, a clown, a Queen and Jigsaw trigger all in the same tank. Yes they are all fairly terrortorial but without a doubt this species of Marine fish are the most interesting in the marine trade as they have wonderful personalities to match their flamboyant colourful exteriors. Triggermad 2009-04-11
actually, it's humuhumu, not humahuma, and the full name is humuhumunukunukuapau'a. It is a Hawaiian fish and it refers specifically to the rectangular triggerfish (formerly the state fish of HI!). this comes to you from a Hawaiian. ~N N 2005-09-04
i have a Picasso and I swear he thinks hes a dog. He is so active and swims the same pattern everyday all day long. very fun to have and watch! adrummer ADrummer 2004-08-20
We have just purchased two junvenille triggers (one clown & one picasso) we were just wondering if it is possible to keep these two in the same tank, they have been travelling fine so far (they stay out of each others way). We also have in the tank a Blue Ribbon Eel, a Lion Fish, a Bird Nose Wrasse. Dan 2004-07-21
Picasso Triggers are great fish to keep. i have a picasso and a bluethroat trigger in my saltwater reef (yes, i have soft corals, anemones, and polyps with them) and they are doing great! they never bother any of the other fish or corals, and always come to greet you at the front of the tank. they are very herdy, and should mention that i am a kid, and this is the first saltwater tank i set up. they are great, and i would recommend them to anyone who wants a smart, hardy, and peaceful saltwater fish. some kid 2004-05-03

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