Valentini Sharpnose Pufferfish (Canthigaster valentini)
Max Size: 4 inches
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution. May eat Invertebrates
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
The Saddle Valentini Puffer, also known as the Black Saddle Pufferfish, Blacksaddled Toby, Valentini Toby, or Saddled Toby, is a member of the Canthigaster genus, also referred to as Sharp-nosed Puffers or Tobies. This brightly colored fish features dark brown bands across its midsection, brownish-orange spotting on the lower half, yellow fins, and blue striping along its back. The fish lacks pelvic fins, but can use its pectoral fins for movement.
A 30-gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium is suitable for the Saddle Valentini Puffer, but it may consume invertebrates in a reef tank. Its teeth are fused into a beak-like structure, and parts of its flesh are poisonous. When threatened or alarmed, it has the ability to inflate its body to nearly twice its size. Therefore, it should be transferred using a container rather than a net.
To maintain healthy teeth growth, the Saddle Valentini Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods, such as squid, krill, clams, and hard-shelled shrimp.
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