Rectangulus Triggerfish Saltwater Fish

Rectangulus Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus Rectangulus)

$40.41

The Rectangulus Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus), also recognized as the Wedge-Tail Triggerfish or Hawaiian Reef Triggerfish, is renowned for its striking geometric patterns and dynamic personality. Featuring a distinctive black wedge mark along the tail base, vibrant brown-to-orange accents, and a clean white underside, this bold saltwater species creates an unmistakable focal point in large marine aquariums.

Best suited for Fish-Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) environments of at least 454 to 681 L (120 to 180 gallons), this active carnivore requires robust tankmates and ample open swimming space. Maintaining its sharp dental health is straightforward by providing hard-shelled meaty fare such as whole clams, shrimp, squid, and crustaceans.

Key Features

Scientific Name	Rhinecanthus rectangulus
Primary Common Name	Rectangulus Triggerfish
Other Common Names	Wedge-Tail Triggerfish, Reef Triggerfish, Humu Humu Triggerfish
Origin	Indo-Pacific (including Hawaii)
Max Size	25.4-30.5 cm (10-12 in)
Temperament	Aggressive (One of the most aggressive triggers)
Diet	Carnivore (Requires hard-shelled food)
Minimum Tank Size	454-681+ L (120-180+ gal)
Reef Compatibility	Not Reef Safe
Water Type	Marine / Saltwater

Highlights

Scientific Name: Rhinecanthus rectangulus
Primary Common Name: Rectangulus Triggerfish
Other Common Names: Wedge-Tail Triggerfish, Reef Triggerfish, Humu Humu Triggerfish
Origin: Indo-Pacific (including Hawaii)
Max Size: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Temperament: Aggressive (One of the most aggressive triggers)
Diet: Carnivore (Requires hard-shelled food)
Minimum Tank Size: 120-180+ Gallons
Reef Compatibility: Not Reef Safe

Materials & care

Diet: This trigger is a voracious carnivore that feeds on nearly all reef invertebrates in the wild, including sea urchins, mollusks, crustaceans, and worms. In the aquarium, it requires a varied, high-protein diet of meaty foods like clam, shrimp, squid, and krill.
Teeth Care: It is essential to regularly provide hard-shelled, meaty foods (such as whole clams or cockles) to prevent its strong, crushing teeth from overgrowing, which can lead to feeding difficulties.
Reef Compatibility: It is not reef safe. This species will actively hunt and destroy all ornamental invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, urchins, etc.) and is likely to damage corals, making it unsuitable for a typical reef tank.
Temperament: It is aggressive and highly territorial. It should be kept singly and is often aggressive towards other triggers. Tankmates should be limited to large, robust, and equally aggressive species.

Compatibility

Not reef safe. House only with large, aggressive fish in a FOWLR setup, and avoid keeping with ornamental invertebrates, corals, or other triggers.

Frequently asked questions

What aquarium setup is required for the Rectangulus Triggerfish?

This species requires a Fish-Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) system with a minimum tank size of 454 to 681 L (120 to 180 gallons) to accommodate its size and active swimming behavior.

Is the Rectangulus Triggerfish safe for reef aquariums?

No, it is not reef safe because it actively preys on ornamental invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, snails, and sea urchins, and may damage corals.

What diet does the Rectangulus Triggerfish require?

It thrives on a high-protein carnivorous diet including shrimp, squid, clam, and krill, along with regular hard-shelled foods to wear down its crushing teeth.

What is the temperament of this species?

The Rectangulus Triggerfish is aggressive and highly territorial, best housed singly or alongside other large, robust, and equally assertive marine fish.

Important Fulfillment Information

Fish and corals ship Monday through Thursday. Not all fish are sexed. If so it will specify.

Once your order ships, you will receive an email with your tracking number. Refunds are always issued for any fish not shipped.

PlantedPlus operates as a collective of trusted freshwater and saltwater importers. This policy allows us to prioritize animal welfare while maintaining reliable service for our hobbyists.

Shipping Cost Disclosure

To help keep ordering live fish online affordable, Planted Plus subsidizes a portion of shipping costs. Because these costs are incurred regardless of order completion, shipping charges are non-refundable.