 |
Fish Guide |  |
Family: Tetraodontidae (Puffers)
Natural Range: Pacific Ocean
Depth: 20 to 197 ft. Size: 4.75 in. Jumps: No Space: 40+ gal.
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Caution
Diet: Mollusks, echinoderms, brachiopods, filamentous algae
Natural History: The Yellowtail Toby is found individually or in pairs on outer reef slopes. It is observed singly or 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 their skin which also also serve as protection against predation. It has strong fused teeth and jaws to crush even the hardest shells.
Husbandry: The Yellowtail Toby will likely be aggressive with other tobies and filefish in an aquarium. It should be housed singly. If this fish dies in an aquarium it must be removed immediately to prevent tank collapse. 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, leaving holes in them.
AKA: Blue-spotted Sharp-nosed Puffer, Lantern Toby