Latin name

Rhinecanthus rectangulus

Other names

Rectangular triggerfish, wedgetail triggerfish, humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa.

Identification

The body shape of these fish is similar to an oval. The snout is elongated and the flat body is protected by a dense layer of rough scales. 

Features of fish fins

Both dorsal fins have 3 barbs and 22-25 soft rays, anal fin has 20-22 soft rays, no hard rays. 

Fish colouring

The coloration of the back is orange-brown, on the sides closer to the tail there are two narrow zigzag yellow stripes separating the back from the black tail stalk, the head and belly are white, from the eyes and pectoral fins to the anal fin there is a wide black stripe.

Distribution

Occupies the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans from the Red Sea and South Africa eastward through the Malay Archipelago to the Marquesas Islands, northward to southern Japan, and southward to Lord Howe Island. 

Habitat

Tropical marine benthopelagic species. Inhabits shallow waters on the outer slopes of coral reefs, where it is found among rocks and corals at depths of 10 to 20 m.

Size

Total body length up to 30 cm. 

Behavior

Adults usually hold on bare rock or in the spur zone where there is a mixture of bare rock, rubble and coral. Juveniles on algae reefs. 

Food and feeding habits

It feeds on algae, detritus, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, echinoderms, sponges, foraminifera, small fish, caviar.

Reproduction

A territorial egg-laying species.

Fishing

They are caught with skimmer nets. 

Relationship with a person

Official fish of the state of Hawaii, USA. Only suitable for experienced aquarists. The fish has an aggressive nature.