Papuan Toby (Canthigaster papua) Care Guide
Canthigaster papua is a small Indo-West Pacific sharpnose puffer of coral-rich reefs; it is not reef-safe and reaches about 10 cm.
Overview
Canthigaster papua is a small sharpnose puffer of the family Tetraodontidae. It has a pale body marked with a brown-and-orange marbled pattern and is associated with coral-rich reefs in the Indo-West Pacific.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Canthigaster
- Scientific name: Canthigaster papua
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs in the Indo-West Pacific across the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, at depths of 6-50 m. It favours clear, coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs; adults often pair along deep drop-offs, while juveniles occupy shallow estuaries.
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 assigns it a trophic level of about 3.1, indicating a diet of small benthic invertebrates. In captivity it should receive a varied selection of 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).