{"id":31378,"date":"2026-05-16T13:52:41","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T13:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coraisdevidro.com\/shop\/sem categoria\/reef-triggerfish-rhinecanthus-rectangulus\/"},"modified":"2026-05-16T13:52:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T13:52:44","slug":"reef-triggerfish-rhinecanthus-rectangulus","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.coraisdevidro.com\/en\/shop\/fish\/boxfish\/reef-triggerfish-rhinecanthus-rectangulus\/","title":{"rendered":"Reef Triggerfish
(Rhinecanthus rectangulus<\/em>)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The common names for *Rhinecanthus rectangulus* include “Reef Triggerfish,” “Wedge-tail Triggerfish,” “Rectangle Triggerfish,” and its Hawaiian name, “Humuhumunukunuku\u0101pua\u02bba” (often shortened to “Humu Humu”). I will use “Reef Triggerfish” as the primary common name and “Humu Humu” or “Rectangle Triggerfish” as secondary mentions.<\/p>\n

Let’s gather the specific data points:<\/p>\n

* **Common Name \/ Variant:** Reef Triggerfish (also known as Wedge-tail Triggerfish, Rectangle Triggerfish, Humuhumunukunuku\u0101pua\u02bba)
\n* **Maximum Size:** 30 cm (11.8 inches)
\n* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, southern Japan, and Lord Howe Island.
\n* **pH Range:** 7.9 – 8.5
\n* **Temperature:** 22-27\u00b0C (72-82\u00b0F) or 24.8-29.3\u00b0C, mean 28.3\u00b0C. I’ll go with a slightly broader, safer range like 22-28\u00b0C which covers the general consensus.
\n* **Lifespan:** 5-10 years
\n* **Swimming Zone:** Often found near the bottom, but active swimmers in open areas and around rocks. Generally benthopelagic. Mid to bottom.<\/p>\n

Now, for the descriptive sections:<\/p>\n

* **Overview (appearance & behaviour):** They are brightly colored, diamond-shaped fish with a “pig-like” snout, angular body, and distinctive patterns in yellow, orange, blue, black, brown, and white, with blue teeth and top lip. They have a large black wedge near the tail and may have yellow diagonal stripes. They can rapidly change color. They are known for their strong jaws and chisel-like teeth, used for crushing shells and corals. They are solitary and territorial, often making grunting sounds when threatened. They are known to re-arrange rocks and sand by blowing water from their mouth to search for food.
\n* **Care Level (difficulty, temperament, compatibility):** Average to Easy (for experts). They are extremely aggressive and territorial, especially towards other triggerfish and docile species. Not reef-safe; they will nip at corals and eat invertebrates. Should be kept with larger, aggressive tank mates.
\n* **Tank Essentials (minimum tank size & water parameters):** Minimum tank size is debated but generally agreed to be large: 100 gallons (378.5 L), 125 gallons (473 L), or even 1500 L (396 gal). For a single adult, 125 gallons seems a reasonable minimum from multiple sources, with larger being better. They need plenty of secure rockwork with caves and crevices for hiding and sleeping. They will rearrange decor.
\n* **Diet (feeding needs):** Omnivorous with carnivorous tendencies. Require a varied, meaty diet including krill, Mysis, shrimp, crabs, mussels, small fish, octopus, and sponges. They also need hard-shelled foods like clams to prevent their teeth from overgrowing. They also consume algae and detritus. Feed 2-3 times daily.<\/p>\n

Let’s refine the numbers and check for consistency.
\nMaximum Size: Consistently 30 cm.
\npH: 7.9-8.5.
\nTemperature: 22-27\u00b0C (72-82\u00b0F). FishBase lists preferred temp as 24.8-29.3\u00b0C, mean 28.3\u00b0C. I will go with a safe, slightly wider range, 22-28\u00b0C, which covers the common aquarium parameters for marine fish and the given ranges.
\nLifespan: 5-10 years.
\nTank size: 100-150 gallons (378.5-568 L) are common recommendations for adults, with some suggesting significantly larger for optimal health. Given the aggression and activity, 450L (around 120 gallons) is a solid minimum for an adult.<\/p>\n

Looks good. I have all the necessary information.<\/p>\n

Reef Triggerfish: A Dazzling, Dynamic Addition to Your Marine Tank!<\/h2>\n

Bring the vibrant spirit of Hawaiian reefs into your home with the magnificent Reef Triggerfish. Its striking patterns and bold personality make it an unforgettable marine inhabitant.<\/em><\/p>\n

Overview<\/strong>
\nThe Reef Triggerfish (*Rhinecanthus rectangulus*) boasts an angular, diamond-shaped body adorned with a kaleidoscope of yellow, orange, blue, black, and white markings. A distinctive black wedge near its tail and a diagonal band from eye to anal fin give it a unique appearance. Known for their powerful, chisel-like jaws, these intelligent fish actively explore their surroundings, often re-arranging substrate as they forage.<\/p>\n

Care Level<\/strong>
\nThis species is suitable for experienced aquarists due to its highly aggressive and territorial nature. It is not reef-safe and will prey on invertebrates and nip at corals. The Reef Triggerfish thrives in a fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) aquarium alongside larger, robust tank mates that can hold their own.<\/p>\n

Tank Essentials<\/strong>
\nA minimum of 450 litres is recommended for an adult Reef Triggerfish, providing ample swimming space and territory. Secure your rockwork carefully, as these fish enjoy redecorating. Maintain stable water parameters: a temperature range of 22-28\u00b0C and a pH between 7.9 and 8.5.<\/p>\n

Diet<\/strong>
\nAs an omnivore with carnivorous tendencies, the Reef Triggerfish requires a varied diet of meaty foods like krill, shrimp, mussels, and small fish, supplemented with some algae. Offer hard-shelled items such as clams to help naturally trim their continuously growing teeth.<\/p>\n

Why Buy From Us<\/strong>
\nWhen you buy Reef Triggerfish online from Corais de Vidro, you’re choosing a commitment to quality and responsible sourcing. We ensure all our healthy aquarium fish are quarantined and meticulously cared for, providing you with vibrant, thriving specimens shipped humanely to your doorstep.<\/p>\n