Common name: Sharpnose pufferfish
General information
The Sharpnose Puffer, Canthigaster rostrata, is a small and colorful pufferfish species commonly found in the tropical Western Atlantic. It is known for its distinctive sharp snout and the ability to inflate its body as a defense mechanism. This species is relatively small, reaching a maximum length of about 10 centimeters (4 inches), making it a suitable choice for smaller marine aquariums.
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
- 11 cm (4½″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to copper-based meds.
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. frozen foods.
- Social
- Pair Pairs or small groups.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at inverts & corals.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial.
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums.
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyPufferfishTetraodontidae
- GenusPufferfishCanthigaster
- SpeciesSharpnose pufferfishCanthigaster rostrata (Bloch, 1786)
- SynonymsTetrodon ornatus Poey, 1867Tetrodon rostratus Bloch, 1786
Care
Sharpnose Puffers are hardy and can adapt to life in captivity if provided with a well-established tank with plenty of hiding places. They are known to nip at corals and invertebrates, so they are best kept in a fish-only or with caution in a reef tank. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and squid, will help maintain their health and vibrant colors.
Reproduction
In the wild, Canthigaster rostrata engages in complex mating behaviors, including courtship displays. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and little is known about their breeding habits in home aquariums.
Habitat
Sharpnose Puffers inhabit shallow reefs and seagrass beds, often found at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters. They are distributed throughout the tropical Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and the northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea.