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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Tetraodontidae (Puffers)
Natural Range: Indo-Pacific Region, Western Pacific Ocean
Depth: 3 to 118 ft. Size: 3.75 in. Jumps: No Space: 50+ gal.
Reef Safe: Caution Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Caution
Diet: Algae, snails, sponges, molluscs, bristle worms, tunicates, crabs, urchins, crustaceans
Natural History: The Papuan Toby is found on sand and rubble coastal protected reef areas. It prefers gentler water movement and is most commonly observed in pairs. This species can bring water into its ventral body cavity and inflate to protect itself from predation. It produces and stores toxins (alkaloid nerve poisons) in its skin which also serve as protection against predation. It have strong fused teeth and jaws to crush even the hardest shells.
Husbandry: The Papuan Toby will likely be aggressive with other tobies and filefish in an aquarium. It should be housed singly. It should be transferred with a container and not a net to avoid inflation. It may nip at coral polyps and the fins of tankmates.