Common name: sharpnose-puffer
General information
The Ambon Puffer, scientifically known as Canthigaster amboinensis, is a small and colorful species of pufferfish. It is known for its unique ability to inflate its body as a defense mechanism when threatened. This species is relatively peaceful and can be a charming addition to a community aquarium with appropriate tank mates.
The Ambon Puffer has a distinctive body pattern with a combination of spots and stripes that can vary in color from blue, green, to yellow. It is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity if provided with the right conditions.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Tolerant to varied conditions
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys varied diet, incl. frozen foods
- Social
- Pair Can be kept in pairs if introduced together
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at coral polyps and inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial; may bully smaller fish
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyPufferfishTetraodontidae
- GenusPufferfishCanthigaster
- Speciessharpnose-pufferCanthigaster amboinensis (Bleeker, 1864)
- SynonymsCanthigaster oahuensis (Jenkins, 1903)Canthigaster polyophthalmus Pietschmann, 1938Psilonotus amboinensis Bleeker, 1864Tropidichthys oahuensis Jenkins, 1903Tropidichthys psegma Jordan & Evermann, 1903
Care
Ambon Puffers require a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a stable environment. They can reach up to 10 cm (4 inches) in length and should be housed in a tank that allows them ample space to swim and explore. These puffers are known to nip at the fins of slow-moving fish and may also target invertebrates, so tank mates should be chosen with care.
A varied diet is crucial for the Ambon Puffer's health, including meaty foods such as mollusks, crustaceans, and occasionally marine algae. It is important to provide them with hard-shelled foods to help wear down their ever-growing teeth.
Reproduction
Reproduction of Canthigaster amboinensis in the home aquarium is rare. In the wild, they are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are then fertilized by the male. The eggs are adhesive and are typically attached to substrates near the bottom.
Habitat
The Ambon Puffer is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific Ocean. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, often at depths ranging from 1 to 55 meters (3 to 180 feet). They prefer areas with abundant coral growth and clear waters where they can forage for food and seek shelter from predators.