Common name: Papuan toby

General information

The Papua Toby, scientifically known as Canthigaster papua, 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 Papua Toby is particularly admired for its vibrant coloration, typically featuring a combination of blues, yellows, and whites, with a distinctive pattern that helps it stand out in the aquarium.

Care

Papua Tobies are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for intermediate aquarists. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing. It's important to note that they have a beak-like mouth structure that they use to crush hard-shelled prey, so a diet that includes snails and crustaceans is essential for their dental health. They can also be fed with a variety of meaty foods and commercial diets formulated for pufferfish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Canthigaster papua engages in complex mating behaviors, but breeding in the home aquarium is rare and not well-documented. They are oviparous, with females laying eggs that are then fertilized by the male.

Habitat

The Papua Toby is found in the Western Pacific, including areas around Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Northern Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 25 meters. In the aquarium, they require a mimicked environment with stable water conditions and plenty of live rock to emulate their natural habitat.