Common name: Crowned puffer
General information
The Crowned Toby, scientifically known as Canthigaster coronata, is a small and colorful species of pufferfish. It is part of the family Tetraodontidae, which is known for the ability of its members to inflate their bodies as a defense mechanism. The Crowned Toby is particularly admired for its striking coloration, featuring a blue to purple body with a distinctive pattern of lines and spots that resemble a crown, hence its common name.
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 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to copper-based meds
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. frozen foods
- Social
- Pair Can be kept in pairs if introduced together
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at inverts & corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, may bully smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyPufferfishTetraodontidae
- GenusPufferfishCanthigaster
- SpeciesCrowned pufferCanthigaster coronata (Vaillant & Sauvage, 1875)
- SynonymsCanthigaster cinctus Jordan & Evermann, 1905Tetraodon coronatus Vaillant & Sauvage, 1875Tetrodon cinctus Jordan & Evermann, 1905 (Jordan & Evermann, 1905)
Care
Caring for Crowned Tobies in a home aquarium requires attention to water quality and tank environment. They thrive in well-established tanks with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. It's important to note that they can be somewhat territorial, especially towards conspecifics or similar-looking fish. A varied diet including meaty foods and marine algae will help maintain their health and color vibrancy.
Reproduction
In the wild, Crowned Tobies are solitary and come together only to breed. Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare, but if conditions are right, they may lay eggs that are then fertilized externally. The care of the fry is challenging and typically not attempted by casual hobbyists.
Habitat
Crowned Tobies are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer coral-rich areas and lagoons, often at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 55 meters. Their natural habitat includes reef crests and slopes where they can find shelter and food.