Species Description…

Scientific Name: Rhinecanthus verrucosus

Common Name: Blackbelly Triggerfish

Species Group: Triggerfish

Habitat: Fish Only

Care Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Aggressive

Diet Type: Carnivore

Role in Aquarium: Predator

Max Fish Length: 10 (inches)

Min Aquarium Size: 180 (gallons)

Native Range: Indo-Pacific

Rhinecanthus Verrucosus - The Blackbelly Triggerfish

Rhinecanthus Verrucosus (The Blackbelly Triggerfish)

Native to the Indo-Pacific, found in coastal reef flats, sandy lagoons, and shallow coral reefs.
Identified by its elongated body, black belly patch, and striking pattern of white, brown, and yellow coloration.
A bold and territorial species, known for its strong personality and aggressive defense of its space.
Uses its powerful jaws to crush shells and can be destructive to aquarium decorations.
Best suited for aquariums with a structured environment, including rock formations, hiding spots, and open swimming space.

Omnivorous, consuming crustaceans, mollusks, algae, and small fish in the wild.
Requires a varied diet including shrimp, squid, clams, krill, and high-quality marine pellets.
Quickly adapts to prepared foods but benefits from occasional live or frozen food supplementation.
Should be fed multiple times per day to maintain energy levels and prevent aggression.
Regular consumption of shelled seafood helps keep its constantly growing teeth trimmed.

Prefers reef-associated environments with moderate water currents and sandy substrates.
Frequently seen patrolling coral reefs and rocky crevices in search of food.
Aquarium setups should include live rock formations, caves for shelter, and open areas for movement.
Requires stable water parameters and high-quality filtration to handle its waste output.
Providing a varied tank layout encourages exploration and natural behaviors.

Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) to support healthy metabolism.
Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
Requires frequent water changes and a strong filtration system to maintain water quality.
Not reef-safe, as it may nip at corals and prey on small invertebrates.
Providing rockwork and hiding areas helps reduce stress and territorial aggression.

Highly territorial and best housed with similarly aggressive fish of comparable size.
Compatible with large angelfish, tangs, puffers, and other robust marine species.
Should not be housed with small or timid fish, as they may be bullied or eaten.
Best suited for a predator-focused setup with carefully chosen tankmates that can tolerate its dominant behavior.
Providing multiple hiding spaces and visual barriers helps minimize conflicts.

An intelligent and highly active species known for its curiosity and territorial nature.
Frequently observed rearranging the substrate, moving objects, and investigating changes in the tank.
May display aggressive or dominant behavior, especially towards new tankmates.
Providing an enriched environment with caves, tunnels, and interactive feeding methods helps reduce stress and boredom.
Over time, it may develop a bond with its caretaker and recognize feeding routines.