Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus Aculeatus)

Species Name : Rhinecanthus Aculeatus

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Aggressive

Color : Black, Blue, Orange, Tan, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : No

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 10»

Origin : Fiji, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tahiti

Family : Balistidae

Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons

The Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus Aculeatus), also known as the Triggerfish or Picasso Triggerfish, has a wacky, painted appearance.

A Picasso Triggerfish is easily distinguished by its angular body, distinctive color pattern (resembling blocks of colors), fin arrangement, and characteristic dorsal spine. This forward spine on the dorsal fin lies slightly above and behind the eye. It is very strong and rigid, serving as defense adaptation. When this spine is raised, it often locks in this protective position, giving the triggerfish its name. It has a tan body with gradient dark bands, and vibrant blue and black stripes on the top of the head, with a yellow stripe from cheek to cheek and deeply set-back eyes. The eyes of a reef triggerfish are set atop the head, moving independently, so as to scan the reef for possible predators and prey. Considered sturdy and well built, the Picasso Triggerfish reaches a maximum length of 10 inches. It vocalizes using a "grunting" sound. 

A 180 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves provides a good habitat. To maintain a peaceful tank that houses triggerfish, be sure to provide lots of room and a cave or rocks for a retreat area. It will rearrange the landscaping and rocks as it wanders in and out of the caves. Also house appropriate fish together that have similar needs and can hold their own. 

This species is more peaceful than most other Triggerfish. Because of its assertive and territorial temperament, it is recommended to keep only one Picasso triggerfish in an aquarium. Indeed, these fish are very aggressive towards their congeners, and moreover with all territorial fish. They can also show aggressiveness towards smaller fish that they will hunt. Never associate invertebrates with triggerfish as they are their natural prey. You will avoid all molluscs, crustaceans, corals and anemones.

Will learn to associate you with feedings and can be trained to eat from your hand. Be careful when working in a tank housing this fish as it may bite your hand. It is safest to feed Triggerfish with feeding tongs as hand feeding will often cause accidental biting. Feed a varied diet of meaty crustacean and fish flesh. Many commercially prepared frozen foods have a meat based trigger formula. To maintain body weight of this fish it is recommended to feed 2 or 3 times a day.

Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Medium/Large 3" to 3 3/4"; Large: 3 3/4" to 4 1/2"; X Large 4 1/2" to 5 1/2"