Common name: Spotted sharpnose
General information
The Solandri Pufferfish, also known as the Blue-spotted Pufferfish or Blue-spotted Toby, is a small and colorful member of the Tetraodontidae family. This species is known for its distinctive blue spots and lines against a tan to yellow body, making it a visually appealing addition to the marine aquarium. They are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for intermediate aquarists.
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
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to copper-based meds
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys varied diet incl. frozen foods
- Social
- Pair Pairs or small groups preferable
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip fins or attack small shrimp
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyPufferfishTetraodontidae
- GenusPufferfishCanthigaster
- SpeciesSpotted sharpnoseCanthigaster solandri (Richardson, 1845)
- SynonymsCanthigaster australis Stead, 1907Canthigaster glaucospilotus Fowler, 1944Canthigaster saipanensis Fowler, 1945Cathigaster solandri (Richardson, 1845)Tetrodon solandri Richardson, 1845
Care
Canthigaster solandri requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and room to swim. They are known to nip at corals and invertebrates, so they are best kept in a fish-only or a fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) setup. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen and live fare, is essential for their health. It's important to note that they can release toxins when stressed or if they die, so careful handling and tank management are crucial.
Reproduction
Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare for the Solandri Pufferfish. In the wild, they are oviparous with external fertilization. Males may court females by swimming in a zigzag pattern and, if successful, the pair will release eggs and sperm simultaneously into the water column.
Habitat
Canthigaster solandri is 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 outcrops, typically at depths of 3 to 25 meters.