Assasi Triggerfish

Rhinecanthus Triggerfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work with caves and crevices should be provided for hiding. Triggerfish are known to turnover rocks, rubble, benthic invertebrates and corals. Provide a sand bed with rubble and seashells to turnover while hunting for prey. Rhinecanthus Triggerfish are carnivores feeding on small fish, starfish, crabs, shrimp, snails, urchins and may consume some algaes. They are capable of breaking off the spines of urchins and blowing water to turnover urchins and attacking the underside. They are hardy and beautiful but quite aggressive, . Triggerfish should only be kept with large fish that are not easily harassed. A diet of meaty based foods should be provided. May loose coloration if not adequately fed. Triggerfish should be kept singly or mated pairs as they can be aggressive. Care must be taken when placing hands in the aquarium as Triggerfish may bite. Male and females may exhibit color differences.

Assasi Triggerfish are also sometimes known as the Picasso or Arabian Picasso Triggerfish. Somewhat frequently seen in the aquarium trade. The upper body of the Assasi Triggerfish is tan and the lower body is white. Blue to black bands run across the top of its head, horizontal dark stripes close to its tail, yellow lips, a blue stripe below its eyes and a light brown stripe that runs from cheek to cheek. Assasi Triggerfish can grow to almost 12".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH