Common name: Bennett's sharpnose puffer
General information
The Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer, Canthigaster bennetti, is a small and colorful pufferfish species that is popular among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. Known for its distinctive blue lines and spots against a tan to yellow body, this species adds a vibrant touch to any marine aquarium. They are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for a fish-only or a reef aquarium with caution.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to copper meds
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. frozen foods
- Social
- Pair Can be kept in pairs
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals/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
- SpeciesBennett's sharpnose pufferCanthigaster bennetti (Bleeker, 1854)
- SynonymsCanthigaster constellatus Kendall & Goldsborough, 1911Cathingaster benneti (Bleeker, 1854)Tetrodon ocellatus Bennett, 1830Tropidichthys bennetti Bleeker, 1854Tropidichthys oxylophius Smith, 1931
Care
Bennett's Sharpnose Puffers require an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and room to swim. They are known to nip at corals and invertebrates, so they may not be suitable for a reef tank with sensitive species. These puffers are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet including meaty foods and algae. It's important to provide them with hard-shelled foods to help wear down their ever-growing teeth.
Reproduction
Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare for Canthigaster bennetti. In the wild, they are oviparous with females laying eggs that are then fertilized by the male. The eggs are adhesive and attach to the substrate or other surfaces.
Habitat
Bennett's Sharpnose Puffers are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, typically at depths of 1 to 55 meters.