How difficult is it to keep Picasso Triggerfish?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Picasso Triggerfish?

The ideal temperature for Picasso Triggerfish is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Picasso Triggerfish get?

Picasso Triggerfish typically reaches Up to 30cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Picasso Triggerfish?

Picasso Triggerfish feeds on: Frozen krill, clams, shell-on shrimp, squid, small fish. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Picasso Triggerfish?

The price of Picasso Triggerfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Picasso Triggerfish

Beginner

Rhinecanthus aculeatus

A trigger named for the painter because of its bold pattern. Hardy and easy to feed, but it reaches 30cm, is territorial and eats invertebrates, so it is not for reef tanks.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

22〜26℃

Size

Up to 30cm

Diet

Frozen krill, clams, shell-on shrimp, squid, small fish

About

The Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) is a balistid found from East Africa to Hawaii and the Marquesas and north to southern Japan. It is common on shallow reef flats and lagoons down to 50m; juveniles hide in rubble while adults swim in the open. Its pale body with dark oblique bands, blue-and-black head stripes and a yellow line joining the cheeks gave it the painter's name. It eats almost anything from algae to molluscs, crustaceans, urchins and small fish and defends its territory fiercely. It sleeps lying on its side and grunts when alarmed. Maximum 30cm. Keep at 22-26C, pH 8.1-8.4 and SG 1.020-1.025 in a tank of 680L or more; it will rearrange rockwork. Offer hard foods such as shell-on shrimp and clams to wear down its ever-growing teeth. A hardy, easy-feeding beginner trigger, but it eats invertebrates and fights its own kind, so keep one with large fish. IUCN: Least Concern.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Picasso Triggerfish

The Picasso Triggerfish grows to Up to 30cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Picasso Triggerfish

The ideal temperature for the Picasso Triggerfish is 22〜26℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Indo-Pacific (East Africa to Hawaii and the Marquesas, north to southern Japan)

Size

Up to 30cm

Temperature

22〜26℃

Diet

Care Specifications

pH: 8.1–8.4
Water Temp.: 22–26℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.025
Min. Tank: 680 L

AggressiveNot reef safeSolitary

Sources: LiveAquaria / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Rhinecanthus aculeatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms: Balistes aculeatus, Balistapus aculeatus

Authority databases: WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.