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Picasso Triggerfish

Huma Huma, Humuhumunukunukuapau'a, Whitebanded Triggerfish, Painted Triggerfish

Family: BalistidaeRhinecanthus aculeatusPhoto © 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.

  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 difficulty:   The Picasso Triggerfish or Huma Huma Trigger is easy to keep. Triggers are among the hardiest of all marine fish.

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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Lastest Comments on Picasso Triggerfish View all 6 comments on Picasso Triggerfish Add Your Comment

Michelle - 2011-07-19 I recently got a saltwater aquarium as a surprise from my husband upon my return from Hawaii, and I was thrilled to find a Picasso Triggerfish, but am concerned because a friend who lives and dives in Hawaii says they are almost on the endangered list. Is this true? Click For Replies (1) Charlie Roche - 2011-07-20 The Picasso Triggerfish (also called the Lagoon) primarily live in Lagoons and its predators are mostly larger triggerfish and then obviously man. I can't find anything that says they are close to being endangered. If a species or a breed goes on an endangered list - then usually it is adressed as a problem and a group or organization will do what they can to make sure it is not endangered. It doesn't always work but so far much luck with it. However, I see nothing where it is endangered. It is a beuatiful fish - enjoy it. Congratulations Reply

ADrummer - 2004-08-20 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 Click For Replies (2) TET - 2010-04-05 Yes i agree with you , my picasso does his laps back and forth my 100 gallon aquarium after he is done with his meal. A happy and funny fish alright, thinks he is a watchdog or something. Bwahhaha. . . Best fish ever. TET - 2010-05-26 Yes they are funny and you get entertained. . . . . Reply

Triggermad - 2009-04-11 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. Click For Replies (2) PhatPhish - 2010-05-19 So for those of you wondering, I too have multiple triggers cohabiting together. Picasso, Sargassum, and Niger. The Picasso is the dominate one, but tolerates the others because it seems they are quicker than he. Their thinner bodies allow them to zip through the cracks with more accuracy, allowing them to get away when he chases them. But the funny thing is, they come right back out in the open, but keeping a close eye on him. These guys are so funny. I'm ordering a Golden Heart now to add to the mix. PhatPhish - 2010-05-23 I'm especially interested in your updates on how well these guys are existing together. I have a Picasso, Sarrgasum, and a Niger in the same tank. The Piscasso is the alpha dog of the three. The only aggression comes when the rocks are rearranged. That's when the fight for the best cave begins. He chases the others clear out of the way and chooses his favorite cave. Quiet a spectacle. However, after the caves have been established, things settle down and the coexist beautifully. Reply

N - 2005-09-04 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 Reply

Dan - 2004-07-21 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. Reply

some kid - 2004-05-03 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. Reply

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