Fun Picasso Triggerfish Facts For Kids

Triggerfish are members of the little marine family fish family Balistidae. The Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) is one of 40 different species of triggerfish. The Picasso triggerfish is named after the famous painter Pablo Picasso because its striped pattern looks like a painter's color palette. These are also known as black bar triggerfish and lagoon triggerfish. The Hawaiian name for the fish is humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa or simply humuhumu. If you ever wanted to breed and grow a Picasso triggerfish, the conditions for it to survive are that the temperature within the aquarium should be 71.6-78.8°F (22-26℃) and also the blackbar triggerfish needs a lot of space to swim around in the tank, as well as hiding spots since they are very active.

This fish is easy to identify with its distinctive fin and snout. Here are a few interesting things about Picasso triggerfish that will stimulate your interest. Afterward, do read our other articles on the Altum Angelfish and Nassau Grouper.  

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What type of animal is a Picasso triggerfish?

Picasso triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) can be identified by their oval body, distinct color pattern, fin structure, and distinctive dorsal spine. They are a type of fish.

The Picasso trigger fish is omnivorous. It readily accepts every kind of food that you present to it. Because of their small size, blackbar triggerfish are much less risky than the larger titan triggerfish of the same family.

What class of animal does a Picasso triggerfish belong to?

The Picasso trigger fish belongs to the fish class as they are aquatic animals, having a streamlined body and a pair of fins for movement. Humu humu have cold blood as well. Their breathing is accomplished by the use of gills. They lack eyelids, so the surface of the eye must be kept moist at all times.

How many Picasso triggerfish are there in the world?

There is no estimation on availability yet but, the Picasso triggerfish is not currently endangered since it is widespread in many aquatic habitats. However, dramatic changes are taking place in all of these ecosystems that have the potential to decrease their numbers.

Where does a Picasso triggerfish live?

Picasso triggerfish can be found all over the Indo-Pacific Ocean in tropical reefs and surrounding sandy patches. This species prefers shallower waters near reef systems with plenty of rocks to hide in and look for food in. Humu humu feed on algae, corals, crustaceans, detritus, eggs, fish, and invertebrates. When you will search for their photos, you will see some of the most colorful fishes ever.

What is a Picasso triggerfish's habitat?

The Picasso trigger fish is present in the Indo-Pacific and Red Seas. Humu humu spend the majority of their time floating across the reef in search of invertebrates, and different fish to eat. These aggressive fishes would love a home aquarium with plenty of space as well as plenty of rock or coral to float around. These territorial animals prefer to sleep in rock caves or holes where these marine animals can secure their dorsal fins and pectoral fins.

Who do Picasso triggerfish live with?

Picasso triggerfish fish will reside with other triggerfish fish, groupers, angelfish, and big tangs. In captivity, this fish tends to get along well with its tank mates. It should be kept in a large tank with large tank mates.

Triggerfishes in general are aggressive whereas Picasso trigger fish are not as aggressive as some other Triggerfish species. Nevertheless, Picasso triggerfish are extremely aggressive and can normally be seen restlessly in their area, actively defending it. Humu humu will do this actively and vigorously, especially when guarding and fanning the eggs with the pectoral fins.

How long does a Picasso triggerfish live?

These triggerfish can live up to 10 years and relatively higher if they live in tanks than in the ocean.

How do they reproduce?

The Picasso triggerfish, like most species, reproduces heterosexually with different male and female parents. Reef fishes are egg-layers, and the male parent fertilizes the eggs externally. The female parent constructs nests in which the eggs are fertilized and cared for before they hatch. The female parent also looks after the newly hatched young.

What is their conservation status?

The Humuhumu triggerfish is not currently endangered since it is widespread in many aquatic habitats. However, dramatic changes are taking place in all of these ecosystems, with the potential to drastically decrease their numbers. In addition to tropical fish collectors, the human population increase, and the associated causes endanger coral triggerfish as well as other marine fishes and species. Other species in many of the (reef) triggerfish populations are being significantly depleted by abiotic causes, although these aggressive fishes are not currently threatened.

What do Picasso triggerfish look like?

The oval body, distinct color pattern (resembling blocks of color), fin structure, and distinctive dorsal spine of a triggerfish (or lagoon triggerfish) make it easy to identify. The dorsal fin's forward spine is located just above and behind the eye. It is very heavy and rigid, and it serves as a defensive adaptation. When this spine is lifted, it always locks into this defensive position, allowing the triggerfish to function.

How cute are they?

They are so attractive as they have a color pattern on them that looks so artistic. Though they are aggressive in nature, these aggressive fishes are beautiful to watch. If you search for their photos, you will not be able to take your eyes off them.

How do they communicate?

These triggerfish make grunting sounds as these aggressive fishes come into contact with predators. It has been seen that these sounds serve to alert other triggerfish of the upcoming threat.

How big is a Picasso triggerfish?

The Picasso triggerfish is three to four times larger than an average tank fish. The length of these triggerfish ranges between 8-20 in (20.3-50.8 cm).

How fast can a Picasso triggerfish swim?

The triggerfish could swim at speeds of up to 30 min Ucrit for long periods of time. Their swimming speed increases a bit when these aggressive fishes feel threatened by predators.

How much does a Picasso triggerfish weigh?

Picasso triggerfish can weigh between 3-10 lb (1.4-4.5 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

They are known as male and female Picasso triggerfish respectively.

What would you call a baby Picasso triggerfish?

The baby of this triggerfish (Picasso) has no special name, it’s called a young Picasso triggerfish.

What do they eat?

The lagoon triggerfish feeds primarily on reef invertebrates and algae. Tiny crustaceans, crabs, sea urchins, and snails are common foods of theirs. Certain fishes, corals, tunicates, forams, and eggs are less popular dietary supplements. The lagoon triggerfish is a highly adaptable feeder, feeding on a wide range of crustaceans, mollusks, and fish. Picasso triggerfish feed mainly by digging through sand or gravel.

Are they poisonous?

These wild fishes are not venomous nor do they carry any aquatic pathogens. That doesn’t mean you can forget their bites, though. Do consult a doctor if you got bitten by a Picasso triggerfish.

Would they make a good pet?

Yes, the picasso trigger fish would make a good pet as their maintenance is not much of a hassle. But you must get some knowledge about their behavior and feeding practices. Their food-eating behavior is quite friendly and easy to manage in the tank. But keep your hands away from them as these territorial fishes have sharp teeth that can certainly result in a painful bite.

Did you know...

Lagoon triggerfish mainly feed by rooting through sand or rocks. Triggerfish will stretch their spines to shield themselves from predators, just like the iconic part-man, part-wolverine comic book superhero.

Many triggerfish species spawn in sync with the lunar and tidal cycles. Typically, eggs are deposited two to six days before a full moon and three to five days before the new moon.

Do triggerfish have teeth?

These wild fishes have a tiny but strong jaw with sharp, cutting teeth that these territorial fishes use to break open shells. If they feel threatened they may bite the human trying to touch them.

Do triggerfish eat anemones?

With the exception of stinging anemones such as the Stichodactyla or Carpet species, this territorial fish eats a wide range of crustaceans and other invertebrates like sea urchins and other echinoderms which are all common items included in the diet of triggerfish.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other fishes from our Texas cichlid fun facts for kids and rainbow shiner facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our triggerfish coloring pages.

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