Description

Picasso Triggerfish

A Bold, Iconic Centrepiece for Marine Aquariums

The Picasso Triggerfish is one of the most visually striking and easily recognisable marine fish in the hobby. Named for its vibrant, artistic patterning, this species features an incredible palette of blues, yellows, blacks, and earthy tones, arranged across its body like an abstract painting. Its unique colours, bold facial markings, and distinct body shape make the Picasso Triggerfish an instant focal point in any aquarium.

Growing to around 25–30 cm, the Picasso Triggerfish is best suited to medium and large saltwater aquariums with robust rockwork and plenty of swimming space. While it is not reef-safe, it is a hardy and active species that adds movement, personality, and visual impact to fish-only or FOWLR (fish-only-with-live-rock) systems.

This triggerfish is full of character—curious, alert, intelligent, and bold. Many aquarists report that Picasso Triggers quickly learn to recognise their owners, beg for food, and interact with the external environment. If you’re looking for a fish with both beauty and personality, the Picasso Triggerfish is hard to beat.

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Why the Picasso Triggerfish Stands Out

🎨 Stunning, Artistic Colour Pattern

The Picasso Triggerfish is admired for its dramatic facial stripes, bright highlights, and contrasting colours. Its blue and yellow markings near the face resemble painted brushstrokes, giving the fish a truly artistic appearance that brightens the entire tank.

🐟 Active, Engaging, and Full of Personality

This fish is constantly on the move—exploring rockwork, searching for food, and interacting with the environment. It displays bold behaviour and is known for being highly aware of its surroundings. Many hobbyists consider the Picasso Triggerfish one of the most charismatic species they’ve ever kept.

💪 Hardy and Adaptable

Picasso Triggerfish are tough, resilient, and forgiving of minor fluctuations, making them suitable for dedicated beginners and experienced keepers. With proper care, they adapt quickly and thrive in captivity.

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Care Requirements

The Picasso Triggerfish is a relatively easy fish to care for, but it does require a properly sized tank and appropriate tankmates due to its eventual adult size and semi-aggressive nature.

Tank Size

• Minimum: 350–400 litres

• Ideal: 500+ litres for adult specimens

These fish grow large and require open swimming space along with caves and hiding spots.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C

• Salinity: 1.023–1.026

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Nitrate: Kept low

Picasso Triggerfish thrive in clean, well-oxygenated marine systems.

Diet

Picasso Triggerfish are omnivores with a strong preference for meaty foods. A varied, high-quality diet is essential for proper health and colouration.

They enjoy:

• Mysis shrimp

• Krill

• Prawns

• Squid

• Clams

• Marine pellets and sticks

• Occasional algae-based foods

Hard-shelled foods are recommended as they help naturally file down the fish’s strong teeth.

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Temperament & Compatibility

Picasso Triggerfish are semi-aggressive. They are best kept with larger or similarly assertive tankmates in fish-only systems. Avoid housing them with timid or very small species, as they may bully or outcompete them.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Large angels

• Tangs

• Puffers

• Other triggers (with caution)

• Large wrasses

• Foxfaces

Picasso Triggerfish may rearrange rockwork, move substrate, or nip equipment—behaviours that are normal for trigger species.

Not reef safe: They may eat invertebrates such as snails, crabs, shrimp, and some sessile organisms.

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A True Centrepiece for Marine Displays

With its unforgettable pattern, dynamic movement, and bold personality, the Picasso Triggerfish brings colour, energy, and life to any appropriate aquarium. It is a hardy, intelligent species that becomes a true showpiece and often a favourite pet within the system.

If you’re building a thriving fish-only marine tank and want a standout species that captivates attention from the moment it enters the water, the Picasso Triggerfish is an exceptional and rewarding choice.