Spotted Sharpnose Puffer (Canthigaster solandri) Care Guide
Canthigaster solandri is a small Pacific sharpnose puffer covered in blue spots; it eats invertebrates and is not reef-safe.
Overview
Canthigaster solandri is a small sharpnose puffer of the family Tetraodontidae, described by Richardson in 1845. Its pale body is covered in fine blue spots, and the tail carries blue lines. Like other puffers, it can inflate its body with water as a defence, and its skin is known to be poisonous.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Canthigaster
- Scientific name: Canthigaster solandri
- Common synonyms: Solander's toby, blue-spotted toby
Habitat
FishBase places the species in the central Pacific, including the Hawaiian Islands, with related Indian Ocean populations now treated as separate species. Adults inhabit sheltered rocky reefs, reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs, at depths of roughly 10-36 m. They are often seen in pairs and sometimes in small groups.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (66 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 with a broad invertebrate diet. FishBase reports that adults consume filamentous red and green algae, coralline algae, corals, tunicates, molluscs, echinoderms, polychaetes, crustaceans and bryozoans. 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 will nip corals, ornamental shrimp, snails and crabs. Suitable companions are larger, robust species; small or delicate fish should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is oviparous (egg-laying). FishBase describes facultative monogamy, with males often paired with a single female; captive breeding is considered very difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011).