All fish / Balistidae

Wedgetail Triggerfish

Rhinecanthus rectangulus

Also known as reef triggerfish, humuhumunukunukuapua'a, humu humu triggerfish, picasso triggerfish, wedge picasso trigger, rectangle triggerfish, belted triggerfish, wedge-tail triggerfish, no, ムラサメモンガラ, 斜带吻棘鲀, 黑带炮弹

This triggerfish has a tan back, white belly and a broad black band running diagonally from the eye to a black wedge at the base of the tail, edged with yellow. It is the state fish of Hawaii and is kept for its bold looks, hardiness and lively personality.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

22 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

400 litres

Keep as

Keep singly

Diet

Carnivore: shrimp, squid, mussels, clams, krill and crustaceans, plus some marine pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 years or more

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs in a nest dug in sand, which the female guards fiercely. Breeding in home aquariums is very rarely achieved.

Good to know

Not reef safe, as it eats crabs, shrimps, snails and urchins and may rearrange rockwork. It can be aggressive towards tankmates and bites, so pair it only with robust fish.