Canthigaster papua

Datasheet

General Description

The Papuan toby, or Canthigaster papua, belongs to the Tetraodontidae family, known for their unique swimming style and ability to puff up. These smaller pufferfish lack the ability to inflate as much as other pufferfish species. They are recognized for their distinct personalities and may nip at other fish and invertebrates in the aquarium.

Aquarium Suitability and Demands

The Papuan toby is suitable for aquariums with caution due to their potential threat to invertebrates like shrimps, crayfish, crabs, bivalves, sea urchins, and snails. Care must be taken not to allow them to ingest air during feeding or transportation as they struggle to expel it. Their toxic skin can release poison when stressed or dying, posing a risk to other aquatic inhabitants.

Care and Hardiness

With average hardiness, these fish require a well-established aquarium with ample algae for grazing. They need a diet that includes food to prevent their teeth from overgrowing, such as clams. Parasites can be common, making quarantine essential when introducing them to the tank. They are generally peaceful but can display aggression towards similar species of the same gender.

Reef Suitability

Papuan tobies are considered reef-safe with caution, as they may nip at certain coral species. Their compatibility with corals varies, so careful observation is necessary to determine their potential impact on the reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

A tank size of at least 600 liters is recommended for these fish. Maintaining water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is important. Providing hiding spots and maintaining a well-run aquarium with algae for grazing is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Papuan tobies exhibit a fun and interesting personality, adding vibrancy to the aquarium. They can be kept in pairs and are known for their curious nature. They may occasionally display territorial behavior, especially towards conspecifics of the same gender.

Feeding and Diet

Their diet should consist of larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, as well as small crustaceans such as krill and mysis. Feeding them foods that grind their teeth is essential, as their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. A varied diet of seafood and frozen foods is recommended to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Dimorphism (and captive reproduction If covered)

Papuan tobies can live as a pair, with males and females potentially forming bonds. While captive reproduction information is not provided, their social dynamics can enhance the aquarium environment, showcasing their natural behaviors.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in the Indo-West Pacific region from the Maldives to eastern New Guinea, north to the Philippines and Palau, and south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia, Papuan tobies inhabit diverse marine environments, contributing to the biodiversity of coral reefs.