Pearl Toby Puffer (Canthigaster margaritata)

Fish in the family Tetraodontidae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameCanthigaster margaritata

FamilyTetraodontidae

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size3.5 in

Minimum tank size30 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-79°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

A small, stocky pufferfish with a blunt rounded head and smooth skin. Coloration is tan to yellowish-brown with prominent white or pearl-colored spots covering the head and body, and a dark eye-stripe. The belly is typically lighter colored.

Diet and feeding

Feed small meaty foods including mysis shrimp, copepods, small crustaceans, and quality frozen preparations. These fish are specialized predators on small invertebrates and benefit from varied live or frozen foods that encourage natural feeding behavior.

Difficulty and care for the Pearl Toby Puffer

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region from East Africa and the Red Sea eastward to the central Pacific, including Indonesia, Philippines, and Micronesia.

Log Pearl Toby 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 Pearl Toby Puffer alongside everything else in your reef.

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