Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a is the Hawaiian name commonly used for the reef triggerfish, a reef-dwelling marine fish with the scientific name *Rhinecanthus rectangulus*.
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a is the Hawaiian name commonly used for the reef triggerfish, a reef-dwelling marine fish with the scientific name *Rhinecanthus rectangulus*. It is the official state fish of Hawaiʻi and is known for its very long name, which is usually translated as “triggerfish with a snout like a pig.” The fish is found on shallow coral reefs and reef flats in the tropical Indo-Pacific, including Hawaiian waters.
Name and meaning
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a is the Hawaiian name associated with the reef triggerfish. Sources commonly gloss the name as “triggerfish with a snout like a pig,” and it is also shortened to humuhumu.
Description
The species is a triggerfish in the family Balistidae, known for its angular body, strong jaws, and reef-fish colouring. It is described as a small marine fish, usually around 10 to 12 inches long in popular references.
Habitat and range
This fish is found on shallow coral reefs and reef flats in tropical Indo-Pacific waters. Sources also place it in Hawaiian reef environments and other Pacific reef systems.
State symbol of Hawaiʻi
The reef triggerfish was designated Hawaiʻi’s official state fish, and several sources note its formal recognition as a state symbol. Different references mention the fish’s earlier temporary status before permanent designation.
Key facts
- The fish is most widely identified as the reef triggerfish, *Rhinecanthus rectangulus*.
- It lives in shallow reef habitats in the tropical Indo-Pacific, including Hawaiian waters.
- Its Hawaiian name is commonly translated as “triggerfish with a snout like a pig.”
- It is the official state fish of Hawaiʻi.
- The name is often shortened to “humuhumu.”
Frequently asked questions
What fish is humuhumunukunukuapua'a?
What does the name mean?
Where does it live?
Is it Hawaiʻi’s state fish?
Is humuhumunukunukuapua'a the only fish with that name?
What family does it belong to?
References
- YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-3gZZvjkFwSupports: States that the humuhumunukunukuapua'a is the reef triggerfish and the state fish of Hawaii, and notes its shallow reef habitat in the tropical Indo-Pacific.
- When In Your State — https://wheninyourstate.com/hawaii/state-fish-of-hawaii/Supports: Provides the common translation of the name as “triggerfish with a snout like a pig.”
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humuhumunukunukuapua'aSupports: Identifies the species as reef triggerfish (*Rhinecanthus rectangulus*), gives the meaning of the Hawaiian name, lists alternate common names, and describes its range and habitat.
- Waikiki Aquarium — https://www.waikikiaquarium.org/experience/animal-guide/fishes/triggerfishes/reef-riggerfish/Supports: Identifies the reef triggerfish as *Rhinecanthus rectangulus* and a well-recognized Hawaiian fish.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium — https://mote.org/animal-encyclopedia/humu-humu-nuku-nuku-a-puaa/Supports: Gives size, habitat, feeding notes, and physical description for the fish.
- Hawaii Guide — https://www.hawaii-guide.com/hawaii-state-fishSupports: States that the fish is Hawaiʻi’s official state fish and discusses its designation history.
- Maui Ocean Center — https://mauioceancenter.com/marine-life/reef-triggerfish/Supports: Describes the reef triggerfish as Hawaiʻi’s state fish, provides the scientific name, and notes its reef role and name meaning.
- State Symbols USA — https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/hawaii/state-fish-aquatic-life/humuhumunukunukuapuaaSupports: States that the fish was designated Hawaiʻi’s official state fish on a trial basis in 1985 and gives alternate common names.