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FAQs about Rhinecanthus Triggerfishes Selection

Related FAQs: Rhinecanthus Triggers 1, Rhinecanthus Triggers 2, Rhinecanthus Trigger ID, Rhinecanthus Trigger Behavior, Rhinecanthus Trigger Compatibility, Rhinecanthus Trigger Systems, Rhinecanthus Trigger Feeding, Rhinecanthus Trigger Disease, Rhinecanthus Trigger Reproduction, Triggerfishes in General, Triggerfish: Identification, Selection, Selection 2, Compatibility, Behavior, Systems, Feeding, Diseases, Triggerfish Health 2Reproduction,

Related Articles: Triggerfish, Rhinecanthus Species, Red Sea Triggerfishes

 


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

Picasso Trigger, stkg/sel.     1/5/12
Hello guys!
I am currently setting up a 180 gallon FOWLR system.  I will be transferring my blue throat trigger and flame angel over after it is cycled.  I also plan on getting a porcupine puffer, couple large angels and a couple tangs.  Would a Picasso trigger be ok to add to this system as well?
<Better than even odds it would>
  Reading a lot on your website it seems Bob Fenner really likes this fish and even went as far as to say it could be a good community fish, but other contributors have said they could be a terror.  Let me know your thoughts,
Thanks.
Jeff
<Rhinecanthus rank low on the Balistid terror potential list. Some individuals do "turn", but nothing like Clowns or Titans. Bob Fenner>

"Ideal" size for specimens to be shipped   12/31/11
Hi Bob and Crew,
I'm ordering fish from Liveaquaria. Are medium specimens better able to handle the stresses of shipping (more hardy) than small specimens or is it about the same? For instance, their small Picasso Triggers are 1" to 2" while their medium Picassos are 2" to 3". Their small Papuan Toby Puffers are 1.5" to 2" while their medium size is 2" to 3". Also, is there a difference in hardiness of specimens from Sumatra or Indonesia?
Thanks,
Casey
<Good questions... There IS a definite difference in incidental mortality per species, per size range... in the case of Rhinecanthus triggers, the second range you mention is best... and Canthigaster spp. the first range is better... Larger sizes of both (and most all organisms) being worse...
Mmm, and your last query... Sumatra is part of Indonesia.
Bob Fenner>
Re: "Ideal" size for specimens to be shipped   12/31/11
Haha, I must've missed the day they covered Indonesia....or most geography, actually. Thanks for your quick reply.
<Welcome! Wish we were diving off the island right now! BobF>

Rectangle trigger or Humu Humu -- 07/24/07 Hi Bob and all at WWM: <Phil.> Which trigger is better behaved, the rectangle trigger or Humu Humu (or are they essentially the same?) <Rhinecanthus rectangulus and Rhinecanthus aculeatus are basically the same with regard to compatibility, size, care, unpredictability of current personality and unpredictability of the change of personality with growing age. While they are sometimes more docile (at least compared to other triggers), they can turn their mind and become problematic. See also http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/triggers/Rhinecanthus/faqs.htm and the linked files on compatibility. Cheers, Marco.> Phil S., Lancaster, PA

Looking A Reef-Safe "Puppy Dog" Fish - 04/01/06 Title pretty much says it all.  I'm absolutely in love with Picasso triggers and all manner of puffers, simply because of their personalities. <<Indeed, fascinating fishes.>> However, I cannot have either just yet. <<?>> The largest tank I can have at present is a 50-gallon, and I also want to make it a small reef (mostly softies), with a few community fish (think Green Chromis and the like). <<Ah, I see.>> Is there any fish you know of that is peaceful enough to live with timid fish, but won't eat the softies, AND has a great personality?  Tall order, I know. <Mmm...>> But if anyone can help out, I'm sure it's you! <<Uh oh...pressure...>> Thanks much in advance, Jodie <<Well Jodie, with your penchant for triggers you might want to consider one of the planktivorous species re (Blue Throat, Crosshatch, Pink Tail...I would avoid the Niger trigger as it will get quite large for this tank).  One of these in a reef tank with a few small fishes could make a very interesting display.  I have a male Blue Throat trigger in my reef display, and if I think about it, I guess he is rather "puppy dog" like.  Regards, EricR>>
Looking A Reef-Safe "Puppy Dog" Fish II - 04/06/06
UPDATE:  My infatuation with Picasso Triggers won out over my desire for a peaceful reef tank. <<Nothing wrong with following your passion my friend...maybe you have 'two' tanks in your future?>> This weekend I brought home the tiniest little Humu I've ever seen, about 1". <<Mmm, tiny indeed.>> Now I know these guys only grow about 1" per year, so he'll be fine in the 50 until I can get him something bigger next year. <<Agreed>> Now I need to find suitable tankmates.  His current tankmate is a 3" Samurai Squirrelfish, and they get along famously!  I'd like to also get some manner of puffer, but one that will grow slow also, so they won't outgrow the tank (or each other).  Any suggestions?   <<Many possibilities, perhaps one of the similarly sized Arothron species...A. nigropunctatus, A. diadematus, A. hispidus, or A. manilensis...?>> Cheerio, Jodie <<Regards, EricR>>
Looking A Reef-Safe "Puppy Dog" Fish III - 04/06/06 Much thanks! <<Very welcome>> I was hoping the dogface would be in there!  Will wait a few weeks and then bring home a friend for little Ziggy Stardust. <<Ha!>> Thanks again, Jodie <<Good luck with your new 'puppies!'  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!>

- Assasi Trigger or Harlequin Tusk? Hawkfish-venomous? - First of all thanks for your time.  I have 2 quick questions. First I am having trouble deciding on getting either a Assasi Triggerfish or a Harlequin Tusk.  They are both on the higher side of the price range, but they are both beautiful creatures. In your opinion what is the better fish (personality, coloration, hardiness, easy feeding, social ability) for the money? <Depends on what else is going to live in the tank. The triggerfish will likely have more personality, is certainly smarter, but will grow large enough to consume many other occupants in the tank. The Tuskfish will top out at about a foot, perhaps a little less, but is a striking and interesting addition to any tank. Could still consume smaller fish in the tank, but it is less likely to become a terror.> Second, today I purchased my first hawkfish at my LFS. The owner told me that hawkfish are venomous. <Not to my knowledge.> This is the first time I have ever heard this. Is it true? <Don't think so, have heard this stated before, but have not seen any documentation. Hawkfish certainly don't behave like they are venomous.> Once again thanks for your time. <Cheers, J -- >

Dave/Luigi is now "Steve" - Picasso Trigger Questions (4/22/05) Hi and hello my name is (STEVE)  <Me too>  and I have been looking for a great fish to go in my 110-gallon tank no need to worry it has been setup and everything is up and running. Actually I had a fish in mind already that is the Picasso Triggerfish and I have some questions that I hope you may help me. Okay, are they good fish for beginners?  <I personally think so, as long as you do your homework and strive to provide proper conditions and tankmates.>  What is it that they eat?  <Pretty much anything meaty, which is why they are not reef-safe. To quote: "The Humu Picasso Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth." I fed mine chunks of "seafood gumbo mix" from the Albertson's fish counter.>  Do they require good water?  <All fish do. Triggers as a whole are indeed hardier than average.>  Are they aggressive?  <Yes, but less so than you average Trigger. They need tankmates that can hold their own in an aggressive predator tank, and should probably be one of the last fish added.>  What fish may they live with?  <Check the compatibility chart at www.liveaquaria.com for some general ideas. You will note that none of the fishes there are considered definitely compatible. They're either labeled as "not compatible" or "caution required." Larger Wrasses and Tangs, Hawkfishes, Snowflake Eels, and Rabbitfishes are examples of potential tankmates.>  How big can they get in a tank?  <8-10", but they grow rather slowly, perhaps only an inch per year.>  And are they generally diurnal or nocturnal?  <Diurnal. They sleep at night wedged into the live rock.>  Thanks I really would like this fish in my tank but I'll wait and hear back again (STEVE).  <Do read more about them. I sense from the sort of questions you ask that it would be a good idea for you to research more. Decide exactly what mix of fish you want before adding


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

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