Masked Puffer (Canthigaster masked)

Fish in the family Tetraodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.

Quick facts

Scientific nameCanthigaster masked

FamilyTetraodontidae

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyReef Safe with Caution

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size3.5 in

Minimum tank size30 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Canthigaster masked is a small, rounded pufferfish with a distinctive dark mask-like band across its eyes. The body is pale yellow to cream-colored with scattered white spots and blue-ringed markings, and possesses the characteristic ability to inflate when threatened.

Diet and feeding

Feed frozen mysis shrimp, live copepods, small crustaceans, and meaty prepared foods. Multiple small meals (2–3 times daily) work better than large single feedings for optimal digestion and behavior.

Difficulty and care for the Masked Puffer

Moderate - Masked Puffer requires standard marine aquarium maintenance and intermediate fish keeping skills.

Common health issues

Ich (marine white spot disease), intestinal parasites, fin rot from aggression, bloating from poor diet

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region, including waters around Indonesia, Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in coral reef environments from the Red Sea eastward to Fiji.

Log Masked Puffer in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Masked Puffer alongside everything else in your reef.

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