Huumuuhumunukunukuapauaa
(Hawaiian Triggerfish)

The Huumuuhumunukunukuapauaa is also known as a Picasso Triggerfish or Reef Triggerfish. It has a diamond-shaped body with armor-like scales. A dark stripe crosses its silver sides and belly. These fish have an angular shaped head that extends into a long snout-like nose, with very strong jaws and a small mouth full of heavy-duty teeth.

Humu-Humus are bottom-dwellers and prefer the shallower waters of the reef where there are rocks and crevices to hide in. They inhabit the tropical coral reefs of the Pacific Ocean, from Hawaii through central Polynesia and all the way to the coast of Africa and the Red Sea.

Picassos are extremely territorial and are on the move most of the time. In general, they do not get along well with other fish. They have a tendency to be aggressive toward other fish of the same species, so mixing them together in the same tank is not a good idea.  When kept with fish of other species that are close to the same size, there is less chance of harassment to occur. When you have a Humu-Humu for a pet, the larger the aquarium is, the better.

These fish are carnivores and spend their days nibbling on a wide variety of echinoderms and crustaceans, such as crabs, shrimps, sea urchins, worms, and other invertebrates. When looking for food in the sand, some will tip up their nose and “blow” on the sand to uncover a potential meal. They prefer fresh meaty foods such as chopped shrimp, squid, and clams. Because Humu-Humus eat a wide variety of crustaceans and invertebrates, they are not considered suitable for live rock or reef aquariums that may contain these types of marine life.

In 1990, the Huumuuhumunukunukuapauaa ceased to be the state fish of Hawaii. However, on May 2, 2006, a bill was passed into law which permanently made this “little fish with the long name” the official state fish of Hawaii.