Shy Toby (Canthigaster punctata)
Fish in the family Tetraodontidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Canthigaster punctata is a small, round-bodied pufferfish with yellowish to olive-green coloration on the dorsal surface and white to pale yellow on the ventral side. The body is covered in small dark spots or punctulations, particularly visible on the head and anterior body. It has a blunt snout and small mouth typical of the toby pufferfishes.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied diet of small meaty foods including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, small crustaceans, and quality prepared foods. Offer small amounts 2–3 times daily to match its natural grazing behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Shy Toby
Moderate. Shy Tobies are hardy once acclimated but can be skittish and require a well-established tank with hiding places. They have specific dietary needs and may nip at soft corals and invertebrates.
Common health issues
Ich (white spot disease), nutritional deficiencies, bacterial infections from poor water quality
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the East African coast to the Hawaiian Islands, including the Great Barrier Reef and Indo-Malaysian archipelago. Found on coral reef environments at depths of 5–40 meters.
Log Shy Toby 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 Shy Toby alongside everything else in your reef.
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