How to keep a Humuhumunukunukuapua’a in your fish tank

Humu Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus), (also known as Humu-humu, Humu Triggerfish), or Humuhumunukunukuapua’a in Hawaiian, is among the ideal fish species for hobbyists and beginning aquarists. This fish is distinguished by its grayish tan body that is dotted with lines of deep blue and yellow. It can grow up to 10 inches long, making 75 gallons a requirement for this fish, with 100 gallons being the most ideal.

This fish is very territorial and does not tolerate the presence of other triggerfish Humu Picasso. Despite its size, it can live in harmony with other non-aggressive fish. Feeding this fish can be quite interesting, as it can be trained to eat food from your hand. On the other hand, some aquarists have reported being pinched by fish, which is why some prefer to use tweezers as a way to feed them. You can also be an aggressive eater, often requiring a diversified type of menu. Their diet can be squid, krill, mussels, starfish, sea urchins, shellfish, small fish, or shrimp. The preparation can be live, frozen or flaked. This makes a reef-like environment inadvisable for this fish, as it can eat invertebrates and shrimp by attacking them on its soft underside.

Most hobbyists like this fish because its behavior is similar to that of a dog. It would be the first to greet you when you approach the tank, and it can come and go from the tank in a somewhat stubborn way. Each Humu Picasso triggerfish has its own distinctive characteristics that make its owner love itself. Depending on its size, it can cost between 20 and 50 per fish. To avoid contamination, it is recommended that you quarantine your Humu Picasso Triggerfish for 2-3 weeks before adding it to the tank.