Crown Toby (Canthigaster coronata) Care Guide
Canthigaster coronata is a small sharpnose puffer with three dark saddles; it feeds on benthic invertebrates and is not reef-safe.
Overview
Canthigaster coronata is a small sharpnose puffer of the family Tetraodontidae, described by Vaillant and Sauvage in 1875. The pale body carries three dark saddle-shaped bands across the back, giving the common name crown toby, with yellow dots and blue-and-yellow lines radiating from the eyes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Canthigaster
- Scientific name: Canthigaster coronata
- Note: Randall et al. (2008) revalidated C. cyanospilota and C. axiologus as separate species formerly included under this name
Habitat
Following the 2008 taxonomic revision, FishBase now treats C. coronata as endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, with its former wider Indo-Pacific range reassigned to related species. It lives on sand, sand-and-rubble bottoms and algal flats near coral reefs at depths of 6-165 m, mostly below 23 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (53 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 8-20 years
Diet
This carnivore feeds on a wide range of benthic prey. FishBase records gastropods, sponges, algae, bivalves, polychaetes, tunicates, crabs, sea urchins, heart urchins, brittle stars, bryozoans, peanut worms, small crustaceans and foraminiferans. Meaty marine foods should be offered twice daily in captivity.
Compatibility
Temperament is semi-aggressive and the fish occupies the middle water column. It is not reef-safe and will eat ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs and corals. House it with larger, robust tankmates and avoid small fish.
Breeding
The species is oviparous. Captive breeding is considered very difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011).