Common name: Bennett's sharpnose puffer

Scientific name: Canthigaster bennetti (Bleeker, 1854)
Pair of Whitebelly Toby.
Bennett's sharpnose pufferWhitebelly toby (Canthigaster bennetti) on the Nudi Retreat 1 dive site, Lembeh Straits, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

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
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Pufferfish
    Tetraodontiformes
  5. Family
    Pufferfish
    Tetraodontidae
  6. Genus
    Pufferfish
    Canthigaster
  7. Species
    Bennett's sharpnose puffer
    Canthigaster bennetti (Bleeker, 1854)
  8. Synonyms
    Canthigaster constellatus Kendall & Goldsborough, 1911
    Cathingaster benneti (Bleeker, 1854)
    Tetrodon ocellatus Bennett, 1830
    Tropidichthys bennetti Bleeker, 1854
    Tropidichthys 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.