Pearl Toby Puffer (Canthigaster margaritata)

The Pearl Toby Pufferfish Canthigaster margaritata is found in nature near reefs and in tide pools most commonly alone or in pairs. It has a brown round body that is darker at the top and lighter underneath, with small light blue dots all over its body. Blue spirals appear at the top of its eyes and blue lines appear at the base of its dorsal fin. It has an elongated nose, which is the reason they are also known as the Spotted Sharp-nosed Pufferfish or Sharp-nosed Pufferfish. Pufferfish have the ability to inflate their body but should not be prompted to do so. Their teeth form a beaklike structure that is used to crush its prey. Transport of the Pearl Toby Pufferfish should be with the use of a container, not a net. Pufferfish are popular among marine aquarists because some of them believe their Pufferfish recognizes them and indicates when they want to be fed, similar to a dog begging for food.

Canthigaster margaritata grows to 5” in an aquarium environment and the one in which it lives should have a minimum water capacity of 50 gallons. Live rock should be included and arranged to provide nooks and crannies for the Pufferfish to explore. It is not considered reef safe, as it will pick on corals and small invertebrates. It will even bother fish that are smaller in size or not as aggressive as it is.

This member of the Tetraodontidae family is a carnivore that should be fed a high quality diet of meaty items such as Mysis shrimp, krill, silversides, clams, and chopped crustacean foods two to three times per day. Algae clips with Nori are a favorite treat. It is a heavy feeder, so strong filtration is necessary.

Approximate Shipping Size: Small 1-1/2” to 2”; Medium 2” to 3”; Large 3” to 4”

Care details

• Temperature: 72 - 78° F
• dKH: 8 - 12
• Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
• Color: Blue, Brown, Tan and Yellow
• Family: Tetraodontidae
• Diet: Omnivore