Humu and Clown Triggers together?

[iluvswfish]

Can a Humu ( Rhinecanthus aculeatus) and a Clown (Balistoides conspicillum) be housed together in a 48"x13"x20" if they are added at the same time as juveniles? They will be moved to a larger aquarium when they outgrow this tank. How long can they stay in the 4' tank if they are both purchased as 1-2" specimens?

 

[mitzel]

I don't know maybe some others will have some advice

 

[iluvswfish]

Several articles I've read say the Clown will eventually kill anything else in the tank but I've read anecdotal reports of the two being housed together (although I'm not sure of the sizes and how long term) and vivid aquariums has this to say
"The Humu Humu Trigger is the Hawaiian state fish, however it is found throughout much of the Indo-Pacific. Also known as the Picasso Triggerfish for its bizarre coloration. Its behavior is similar to that of the Clown Triggerfish and the two often make great tank mates when added at the same time. It can be kept with living corals in a predator reef aquarium or in a fish only aquarium with other aggressive fishes. Will eat a wide variety of invertebrates and may pick at clams. Will also eat smaller reef fishes. The Humu Humu Triggerfish will often become more aggressive as it matures. Like the family dog this fish is not shy about begging for food, and will even learn to eat out of your hand. "

 

[my way]

Yes you can keep them together for a while, but in the long run they will outgrow your tank. I have kept them both in a 150 for a few yrs. The clown will grow quickly, but for some reason the Humma Humma,s seem to grow very slowly. I would suggest once they get to about 5" it would be time for an upgrade.