Lantern Toby (Canthigaster epilampra) Care Guide
Canthigaster epilampra is an Indo-Pacific sharpnose puffer of outer reef slopes; it is not reef-safe and reaches about 12 cm.
Overview
Canthigaster epilampra is a sharpnose puffer of the family Tetraodontidae. Its pale body is covered in a fine reticulated pattern with orange highlights. It is an outer-reef species found across the Indo-Pacific.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Canthigaster
- Scientific name: Canthigaster epilampra
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Hawaiian and Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Tonga and Rarotonga. It inhabits outer reef slopes at depths of 6-100 m, typically as solitary individuals or pairs below about 24 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
The species is a carnivore. FishBase reports that it feeds on molluscs, echinoderms, brachiopods and filamentous algae, with a trophic level of about 3.1. In captivity it should receive meaty marine foods offered twice daily.
Compatibility
Temperament is semi-aggressive and the fish swims in the middle of the water column. It is not reef-safe and may target ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs and corals. Keep it with larger, robust tankmates and avoid small fish.
Breeding
The species is oviparous (egg-laying). Captive breeding is considered very difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011).