Facts and Information
The Picasso Triggerfish, also called a Blackbar Triggerfish, is a common sight around reef flats around the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. In the aquarium trade, they are better known as the Humu-humu Trigger, which is short for the Hawaiian name Humuhumu nukunuku apua`a. Literally translated, that name means "water pig with needle". The characteristic ragged black bar at the base of the tail easily distinguishes this species from its close relatives that make up the Rhinecanthus genus. The genus name means "spinetooth" in Latin and the genus name, "aculeatus" means furnished with stings or prickles, as the skin of this species is rough like that of a file. Picasso Triggerfish have powerful jaws for scraping coralline algae and crushing invertebrate shells, and erectable spines for defense. These fish often wedge themselves in crevices and holes, "locking" themselves in place with the spines. Picassos also make a "whirring" sound when handled or approached as a warning.
Size - Extra Large
Possible Tankmates - Zebra Lionfish, Queen Angelfish, Sunset Wrasse