Humu Rectangle Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus Rectangulus)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Black, Blue, Orange, White, 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 : 8'

Origin : Hawaii 

Family : Balistidae

Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons

Considered to be Hawaii's state fish, the Humu Rectangle Triggerfish, also known as the Rectangular Triggerfish, Wedge-tailed Trigger, or the V-line Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, has a pearly white face and two blue and black stripes across the eyes. It is also recognized by the black V-pattern outlined in yellow that highlights the posterior section of the body. They have the ability to rapidly alter their coloration. They can fade into a relatively drab appearance when sleeping or demonstrating submission, while their coloration is often the most vivid when they are healthy and unthreatened by their surroundings. The triggerfish's teeth and top lip are blue and the teeth are set close together inside its relatively plump mouth. It vocalizes using a "grunting" sound.

The Humu Rectangle Triggerfish needs a 180 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves. Tank mates should be chosen carefully, and they should be large enough and tough enough to hold their own against a feisty trigger. Be aware that they may prey on inversions (especially crustaceans). Some Triggerfish can be downright mean, killing tank mates or biting electrical cords, fingers, or anything else that breaks the surface of the water.

Wedge-tails will sometimes make use of their ability to blow a jet of water out of the mouth to uncover food items. The Humu Rectangle Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth. They generally cannot be housed with inverts such as crabs, clams, urchins or crabs as these will be seen as a quick snack.

Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 5"; X Large: 5" to 6"; XX Large: 6" to 8"