Baby Rectangle Trigger care and diet 2/25/13
You guys have been great in the past with all of my questions, so I'd like to run a few more by you about the future star of my 90g FOWLR - a baby Rectangle Trigger (Rhinecanthus rectangulus). Currently, I have 3" One Spot Foxface and a 2" Blue Spotted Puffer (c. papua) in my display tank, and my final fish - which this tank was designed around - is going to be a baby Humu.
<Mmm, may well become overly belligerent w/ age, growth. See WWM re this Rhinecanthus sp.>
I've done my fair share of research, but have some questions that I can't find detailed information on. I'm looking to add a 1-1.5" (closer to 1.5") baby Humu, but have read recently that triggers this small have a high mortality rate in aquariums;
<Mmm, not really... Much lower than any measure of central tendency ("averages")>
I'm not sure if these articles/posts were speaking of triggers in general, or Clown triggers specifically, as that seems to be the one species often mentioned. How accurate is this, in your opinion? I want to make sure that I'm doing everything I can so that this guy can thrive here.
I have also read a lot of forum posts where trigger owners recommend feeding juveniles upwards of five times daily due to their high metabolism. To me, that sounds a bit on the high side, though I do know that I should keep the trigger well fed to prevent aggression (as best I can, at least). I plan on feeding mainly frozen foods (Hikari Mysis, SF Bay Marine Multi-Pack), with some fresh foods occasionally during the week (clams slightly opened, shrimp in the shell, etc.). If I truly do have to make sure the trigger is fed five times daily, can I use New Life Spectrum pellets for meals in an auto feeder while I'm at work?
<Yes; though twice a day feeding is very likely fine>
 I already use them for the Foxface, and by all accounts it's the best pellet food available. I'm also trying to figure out how much to feed at a time. For instance, I currently feed my Toby about 1/8th of a Hikari cube at each feeding, and he seems fine; not sure if this is enough for a trigger, though.
Finally, I'd like your opinion on my quarantine method - which has proven to be quite successful for both my Foxface and Toby, as far as I can see. I have two 10g tanks with completely separate equipment that I intend to use for tank transfer, cleaning using a 10% bleach solution, in case the fish has Ich. Upon receiving the trigger, he'd go into temperature and salinity-matched water in one of the 10g tanks. Once that salinity has been brought up to 1.024 over the course of a few days, I would begin the tank transfer method, utilizing Seachem Prime to handle any ammonia issues.
After the 13+ day TTM was completed, the trigger would go into my 29g QT where it would receive two doses of PraziPro over the course of two weeks, and then onto some observation time before being introduced to the display tank.
Sound good for the trigger, or is there a gotcha that I'm missing? I don't believe that triggers are as much a threat to be infected with flukes like some other species, but I've read that PraziPro really is the safest thing to use for a fish while in QT, "just in case".
<Sounds fine>
Apologies for the length of this e-mail, but I'm in the home stretch here, and didn't want to leave anything out!
Mahalo nui loa!
Nick Panaccio
<Aloha. Bob Fenner>

Picasso trigger, reading   8/21/09
Hi.
<Hello>
My new Picasso trigger ( Rhinecanthus aculeatus ) is a little thin. I have try to give him some food, and he eat some of the food, but bull the most of it out agen :S is he sick ? can I do something to get him fat again ?
Best regards
Alexander
<... read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/triggers/rhinecanthus/index.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>

Humu trigger teeth 3/24/09 This is just a picture for Bob, he's been very helpful over the past couple years to me with my trigger ideas and I thought he might appreciate this picture. I used a macro lens to get a nice shot of my Humu trigger's teeth, it took me quite a while to get a nice clear shot. This mouth is about a half inch wide in real life. Anyway, if he wants it used on one of the pages of WWM for some purpose, please be my guest. Grant <Nice pic! Thank you for sharing. BobF>

Info for Rhinecanthus rectangulus    5/4/06 Hello, <Hi there> I am having a really hard time finding information on the "humuhumunukunukuapua'a", or Rhinecanthus rectangulus.  It's the  state fish of Hawaii.  In my report (I am in the 7th grade), I need to know  all about their breeding habits, specifically # of offspring, birth rate and  incubation. Hoping you might be able to help.  Maybe you already know  about trigger fish.  My report is due on Friday 5/5, so I'd really  appreciate hearing from you soon.  Thanks so much, Grace Diane   <... put the scientific name in our Google search tool... and read on! Bob Fenner>

A buddy's Picasso in distress....  - 04/05/2006 <Sab> I had a quick question for ya....  I have a buddy at work (CC'd here) with a 2" Picasso in a 40g tank with two other fish; <Gonna get crowded...> water parameters all sound great, am going to double check for him in case his test reagents are old/faulty.  Sounds like a decent setup given the inhabitants' current size; also, the tank's in good shape/health aside from this little trigger.  He's been in the tank for 5 months and has started showing signs that he might be blind. <Does happen> He tries to go for food and fails to find it.  He apparently acts as though he wants to eat, just can't see/get the food.  The only things I can think of that might be issues are nutritional problems and toxic metals (copper, etc). <These are the most common...> I think we've ruled out the latter though.  The fish are fed on frozen krill, Mysis, brine shrimp, and flakes.  I've suggested he start trying some frozen/thawed human-consumption fish/shellfish meats, foods soaked in Selcon, maybe some Spectrum pellets, but I'm just not sure if nutritional   issues would blind a fish? <Yes, can/do>   I've read so in a couple of places, but....  is there anything else that I'm missing?  Other things that cause blindness in fish/triggers? <Likely the third most common "cause" are pathogenic/parasitic problems... next, too-bright/continuous lighting...> Am currently recommending quarantining the critter so he won't have competition for food and trying to get something into his little concave belly.  Any other thoughts? Also, Brent, the link for the conference is http://www.wmc2006.org - hope to see ya there! -Sabrina <Oh, yes. And do send along a close-up pic of this fish's eyes if you can. Bob Fenner>
Re: A buddy's Picasso in distress.... blindness - 04/05/2006 thanks to both of you.  I'll get a close-up of his eyes soon.  as far as lighting goes, i have a 50/50 skylight/actinic on a timer (no reef/coral set-up), so i don't think that's it. <Me neither... Bob Fenner>

Triggerfish and Corallimorphs tog.?   2/14/06 I was wondering if I should take a chance of having a mushroom colony with a Picasso Triggerfish? I know that triggerfish are known to bother corals somewhat but I just want to know my chances of keeping both. (btw I don't have the mushrooms or the triggerfish yet) <Mmm, I give you about 50:50 odds that they'll co-exist... but no telling when the Rhinecanthus might munch the shrooms. Bob Fenner>

Rectangular Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus Sp.) Tankmates - 02/12/06 Dear Eric, <<Hello Akila>> Hope everything is fine there. <<Not so bad my friend...thank you for asking.>> Everything is going as planned in my main and quarantine tank.  I still didn't put any fish to the main tank even after a month of cycling. <<Excellent to hear!>> I am going to wait a little bit more and work on my quarantining process. <<Super!>> There is a 4" Rectangular triggerfish in the same tank with some Domino damsels at the LFS.  So I was wondering whether to buy the fellow, quarantine it and put him with my 2 damsels and the clown. Do you think it'll be fine?  Cuz I heard that Rectangular, Niger and Humu Picasso triggers are quite peaceful than the rest. <<The Rhinecanthus specie of trigger does make an excellent aquarium fish.  But as it matures/gets larger (10" or more in captivity) it will become more aggressive and need to be housed with equally aggressive (or more agile) fishes.  Domino damsels are actually a pretty good choice for tankmates here...though I don't consider them very attractive as adults.>> Also later on in about 2 - 3 months time I am planning to buy a 4" Butterfly fish & a 2" Fire Goby.  Do you think the Rectangular   Trigger will be compatible with them? <<It will probably be fine with the butterfly for a time...the goby is questionable in my opinion.>> Appreciate your response, thanks. Best regards, Akila <<Take care my friend, EricR>>

AP Fish Article Humu to Huma for HI State fish... sez who brah?  1/30/06 http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/D/DETHRONED_FISH?SITE=KJLL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT <To heck with the government! BobF> Maybe the fish needs a vote in the matter! <Or a bite!>

Compatibility of anemone and clownfish with Humu Humu trigger Hi!  I love your site and all your extremely informative Q&A -- what a remarkable resource!  Thank you for what you do! <Much appreciated> Here's my question:  I have a very friendly <There are no friendly triggers> and relatively docile humu (about 4 inches) humu living very happily with a convict damsel in a 40 gallon FOWLR system. <Much too small a tank.> The two don't seem to bother each other at all and have been very peaceable roommates for over two years.  I would like to add a clownfish (percula, likely, although possibly a Clark) along with an anemone.  In fact, I just bought a pink anemone today at the LFS largely since the man at the store didn't seem to think there would be any incompatibility problem.  I thought I would give the anemone a chance to make itself at home before introducing the clownfish.  After now searching the issue of compatibility between the humu humu and the anemone I am now suddenly alarmed at the thought that the humu humu might nibble at and ultimately kill the anemone.  (I know, I should have figured this out in advance of buying the thing.)  Is it highly likely that the humu humu will munch on the anemone or simply a somewhat possible eventuality?  Is the little convict damsel likely to succumb to the anemone's tentacles?  Should I take the anemone back to the store tomorrow and forget the idea of giving the clownfish an anemone home? <Bad idea all together, take the anemone back.  Triggerfish should never be trusted with inverts.> Also, would the humu humu be likely to harass the new clownfish? <Yes> Does it depend very much on the relative size of the clown? <No> (the Clark would be about 3 inches and the percula would be a little guy - perhaps 1.5-2 inches).  Separately, what do you think of the idea of introducing a lunare wrasse into this environment?  Would the wrasse be likely to upset the happy relationship between the humu humu and the convict? <As the trigger grows your tank will not be able to support any more fish.  Your trigger can attain a length of up to 10 inches and they do grow quite fast.  A 70 gallon tank would be the minimum size for this trigger.> Thank you in advance for you advice. <You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)>

Humu humu Compatibility - 12/17/2005 Hi, <Hello, Josh here.> I've never posted a question before so I don't know if I'm supposed to send you an email like this or simply follow the link your site.  So, I apologize if you receive this twice.... <I only see this one, so, unless Bob got one...>    Hi! <Uh.. Hi there! Josh here today.> I love your site and all your extremely informative Q&A -- what a remarkable resource! Thank you for what you do! <Actually thank you! We couldn't do it without all the participation!>   Here's my question: I have a very friendly and relatively docile Humuhumu (about 4 inches) living very happily with a convict damsel in a 40 gallon FOWLR system. The two don't seem to bother each other at all and have been very peaceable roommates for over two years. <As with any Triggerfish, this can change. The fact that it's tank is too small increases the chances.> I would like to add a clownfish (percula, likely, although possibly a Clark) along with an anemone. <If you're trying to  pair them up, make sure you do the adequate research. There are many mixes that don't work, others that work only sometimes.> In fact, I just bought a pink anemone today at the LFS largely since the man at the store didn't seem to think there would be any incompatibility problem. <YAY! Did you research any on this type before your purchase? How about the best route to success for a Clown host?> I thought I would give the anemone a chance to make itself at home before introducing the clownfish. <Should also make sure you can make it at home. Give a bit of time here, and learn all you can on its care. Anemones aren't easy and should not be taken lightly.> After now searching the issue of compatibility between the humu humu and the anemone I am now suddenly alarmed at the thought that the Humu humu might nibble at and ultimately kill the anemone. <Better late then never (sort of). There is a chance it may happen. No way to know that it won't happen later either.> (I know, I should have figured this out in advance of buying the thing.) <Better luck next time.> Is it highly likely that the Humuhumu will munch on the anemone or simply a somewhat possible eventuality? <I'd say it's highly likely a chance he'll try it. Whether he likes it or not...> Is the little convict damsel likely to succumb to the anemone's tentacles? <Is this a Dascyllus (striped)? Probably not. Smart and quick.> Should I take the anemone back to the store tomorrow and forget the idea of giving the Clownfish an anemone home? <That's what I would advise.> Also, would the Humu humu be likely to harass the new clownfish? <Probably, at least upon introduction. The Damsel would as well.> Does it depend very much on the relative size of the clown? (the Clark would be about 3 inches and the percula would be a little guy - perhaps 1.5-2 inches). <The closer sized to the Trigger the better.> Separately, what do you think of the idea of introducing a lunare wrasse into this environment? Would the wrasse be likely to upset the happy relationship between the Humu humu and the convict? <Any introduction is going to cause some "activity". Introduction to an undersized tank will likely cause negative activity.> Thank you in advance for you advice. <No problem. I would abandon the anemone idea and plan a tank upgrade, too small for the Picasso. - Josh>

Trigger Feeding  12/17/05 Hi,    <Howdy>   I have a feeding question that was not directly answered in my searches.  I have a Picasso trigger that is about four inches in a 55 gal tank. <... too small a world...> He had some damsel buddies but he is now alone.  My question is how much and how often should I feed? <Once, twice a day... more frequently, smaller amounts> The reason I am asking is because anytime anyone passes within 5 feet of the tank or once it is dark outside, the trigger violently swims at the top front of the tank, back and forth for hours. <Territorial... not for food directly> In fact, lately it has been his activity half to 3/4 of the day.  He breaths hard doing this, and I am wondering if he is stressed. <Good question>   I don't know if I should be doing something different in how I feed.  I was feeding (krill and silversides) once in the morning and once at night when the actinic lights were on (which are timed to be on a hour before and an hour after the whites).  I try to increase it to three moderate portions, but the erratic swimming has worsened.  I drop the food in at the surface by the outflow of the protein skimmer, should I do something different than that (use a feeding stick maybe)?  I don't see other triggers his size do this, so I am guessing it is something I am doing.  Any help you can provide would be helpful.  By the way, at last check pH and salinity were optimal, and I have a Remora skimmer, a Rena canister filter, with 2 powerheads and approx. 40-45 pounds of live rock.  I've had the trigger since July and he has been alone for 2 weeks.      JWA <This fish/species needs more room... should be placed near last to avoid agonistic behavioral troubles... as you'll experience should you try placing something with it in the 55. Bob Fenner>
Re: Trigger Feeding  12/18/05 Thanks for the reply.  Here is my full story and maybe this will explain why I have him the 4" Picasso trigger in a 55 gallon tank).  My previous e-mail should be included.  I had two damsels and a lionfish in the tank before getting the Picasso trigger.  It was a "surprise birthday gift" from my visiting in-laws.  From what the LFS told them, and from what the "Marine Fishes" by Scott Michael said, they (my in-laws and wife) were under the impression that the trigger's minimum size tank is 55 gallons. <At an absolute minimum... without other livestock...> So that is how he arrived.  I questioned it because he was large, but because it was a birthday gift from in-laws and because I really wanted one(s smaller one that is), I took him. He actually did pretty well with the other fish, no troubles for three and a half months. However, after dealing with major temperature fluctuations, I lost the damsels and lionfish to what seemed to be stress related issues about three and a half months after the trigger arrived (no new additions to the tank were made since trigger arrived).  The trigger was the only fish I saved (all fish were covered in white and it was definitely not ich, I and LFS could only guess "velvet" because of the temperature problems).  So that is why he is alone.  I am guessing the best approach would be to trade him in for maybe a smaller Picasso, because I do intend on buying a bigger tank, but not right now (I'm in school and will be graduating next year).  From my research, I hear Picasso triggers grow slower so this can be done, right? <Yes> However, I believe I need to get whatever other additions in before adding a small trigger.  I was trying to set up a fish-only "predator" tank that maybe can be transferred later from a 55 gal. to something bigger.  I am sorry this is so long, I just want to do the right thing for the trigger and for future additions to the tank.     Thanks,      JWA <Do consider means of making your water quality "self-regulating"... particularly pH, alkalinity... Predatory organisms in small volumes have a habit of mal-affecting their own habitat... Bob Fenner>

Triggerfishes for  Marine Aquariums Diversity, Selection & Care New eBook on Amazon: Available here New Print Book on Create Space: Available here by Robert (Bob) Fenner