Valentini Puffer Fish - Canthigaster valentini
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The Valentini Pufferfish (Canthigaster valentini), also known as the Saddleback Toby or Black Saddled Toby, is a colorful and charismatic species known for its bold patterning and curious behavior. This small puffer adds personality to marine aquariums and is especially popular for its intelligence and constant exploration.
Common Name: Valentini Pufferfish (Saddleback Toby, Black Saddled Toby)
Scientific Name: Canthigaster valentini
Family: Tetraodontidae
Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Difficulty: Moderate
Reef Safe: With caution
Native Region: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef, typically inhabiting coral-rich lagoon and reef environments.
Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Substrate: Live rock for grazing and exploration; provide open swimming spaces along with plenty of hiding spots.
• Diet: Omnivorous—requires a varied diet including meaty foods, frozen preparations, and hard-shelled items (like snails) to help wear down constantly growing teeth.
• Behavior: Curious and bold; may nip at small invertebrates or slow-moving fish.
• Reef Consideration: Generally not safe with ornamental crustaceans and may nip soft corals or polyps.
• Tankmates: Best with semi-aggressive or robust community fish; avoid housing with long-finned or timid species.