Also Known As: Blackbelly Triggerfish, Black Patch Triggerfish

Compatibility and Behavior
The Bursa Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus verrucosus) is a Picasso-type trigger with a tell-tale signature: a visible black patch above the anal fin that sets it apart from its relatives and earns it the “blackbelly” name. Over a pale brown upper body and white underside, you also get blue-accented markings across the eyes and a narrow yellow-orange to reddish stripe running back from the mouth, all finished with a compact tail and the erectable dorsal “trigger” spine the family is named for. This is an inquisitive, busy fish that investigates crevices, digs through substrate, and rearranges loose objects as it hunts, and that behavior is exactly why it’s not reef safe. Ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other inverts may become prey, and the digging and rock-moving can topple or damage corals, so a FOWLR setup is its home. Robust, appropriately sized tangs and larger angelfish make suitable companions, while small, timid fish and other triggers are less dependable, and territorial behavior tends to sharpen as it matures. Keep one trigger per tank in most displays, and use some caution during maintenance, since an individual may bite hands entering its territory.

Aquarium Requirements
An established FOWLR tank of at least 75 gallons (for a small specimen) is recommended, with more space helpful as the fish grows. Provide secure rockwork with substantial caves and crevices for shelter while preserving open swimming lanes, and because this is a dedicated digger, anchor your major rock structures securely so its excavation can’t undermine them. A sandy substrate with scattered rubble and empty seashells gives it natural foraging opportunities. Effective filtration, good circulation, and regular removal of leftover food help manage its meaty diet, and including appropriately sized shell-on foods encourages natural chewing and helps keep its teeth in check.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1–2", Md: 2–3", Lg: 3–4"
Diet: Primarily meaty marine foods, including shrimp, clam, squid, and quality carnivore preparations, supplemented with some algae-based foods
Origin: Indo-West Pacific
Care Level: Easy
Reef Safe: No
Temperament: Aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Special Considerations: Not reef safe, as it preys on shrimp, crabs, snails, and other inverts and can damage corals while digging and moving rock. May bite during maintenance, so use caution reaching into its territory.