Bursa Triggerfish

(Rhinecanthus verrucosus)

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.

Bursa Triggerfish are also sometimes known as the Blackbelly or Black Patch Triggerfish. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Bursa Triggerfish are a light brown color with a white belly, horizontal red stripe in the middle of its body, tan vertical stripe below its eyes and a black spot on the back parts of its body above its anal fin. Bursa Triggerfish can grow to slightly over 9".

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

  • Care: CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatPlantedPlanted
  • Light: LightHighHigh