Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Spotted Sharpnose Puffer, also known as the Central American Spotted Puffer or Toby, is native to eastern Pacific around the Galapagos Islands and Mexico. All members of Canthigaster are frequently referred to as tobies rather than puffers. Reaching a maximum size of approximately 3-1/2″, these puffers are sought after as an alternative to larger (10″+) puffer species for the aquarium. The Spotted sharpnose puffer, as its name suggests, has many small white dots over its dark brown body and a white caudal fin. The Spotted Sharpnose Puffer looks nearly identical to the less common White Spotted Sharpnose Puffer (Canthigaster jactator) collected around the Hawaiian Islands. Their geographic location is all that confidently separates them. Spotted sharpnose puffers can become alarmed and “puff” slightly when caught with a net; it is best to transfer these fish using a plastic container.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Spotted sharpnose puffers are carnivorous. A diet consisting of various meaty frozen foods is necessary, such as brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, and krill to maintain optimal health and color. Hard-shelled shrimp and clams are also highly encouraged to feed from time to time in order to keep their teeth worn down. Overgrown teeth will cause complications and have consequences.
Care Requirements: A minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal. Puffers enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge; this is necessary to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior, as they can be shy when initially introduced. Given their generally peaceful nature, Spotted sharpnose puffers should not be kept with overly boisterous or aggressive species. A Spotted sharpnose puffer is to be added “with caution” into a reef aquarium as they are expected to eat invertebrates that are part of the clean up crew given their diet. Spotted sharpnose puffers are intolerable of each other; keep only one per aquarium. Mixing different Canthigaster species should also be approached with caution. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ or less; Medium: 1-3/4″ to 2-3/4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
