Huma Huma Trigger (Asia Pacific)

Triggerfish are extremely personable and entertaining, and make great tank mates with other fish of similar size or temperament. They will eat invertebrates, especially shrimp, but also other crustaceans, mollusks, bivalves, sponges, tunicates, feather dusters and more. They may move and flip over rocks to search for food underneath. They do not typically bother corals. They may chase and bully other fish, especially those smaller than themselves. They may be aggressive with other triggerfish and two should only be kept together in sufficiently large aquariums.

Triggerfish are named for their first dorsal fin which is typically kept flat against their back but can be cocked into an upright position and cannot be forced down. When threatened they swim into the smallest cave they can fit in and lock their fin up which makes them impossible to be dislodged by predators. This fin may also become tangled in nets.

Triggerfish are carnivores and should be fed two to three times a day a high quality diet of meaty items such as Mysis shrimp, krill, silversides, clams, and chopped seafood. Hard shelled items are important to keep their teeth in good shape. Algae clips with nori are a favorite treat and may be quickly devoured. They are easy to keep and usually learn to eat dry foods as well. Triggerfish are heavy feeders and thus strong filtration is necessary.

The colorful Huma Huma trigger goes by many names including Picasso, Lagoon, Jamal, Black Bar, and also by its Hawaiian name Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa which means ‘Triggerfish with a snout like a pig’. Against its light fawn colored body and snowy belly are many contrasting bars and stripes. Mustard yellow extends from its mouth and connects below its pectoral fin with a black bar coming from its eye. Several velvety black bands decorate its belly and sides alternating with sky blue. Deeper baby blue highlights most of its features. Males and females are identical. It grows up to 10 inches and requires an aquarium of at least 125 gallons.