Latin name

Canthigaster papua

Other names

False-eye puffer, false-eyed puffer, solander's toby, solandri's sharpnose pufferfish. 

Identification

This species can be confused with Canthigaster solandri. It has an elongated body that tapers sharply at the base of the tail feathers.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal soft rays: 8-10; anal soft rays: 8-10.

Fish colouring

Brownish fish with numerous small bluish-green spots, bluish-green lines with black edges diverging from the eyes, two (rarely three) longitudinal blue lines on the underside of the head, orange chin (in adults), longitudinal light blue lines between the eye and the beginning of the dorsal fin, and a black spot with a blue edge at the base of the dorsal fin.

Distribution

Widespread in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific.

Habitat

It is a bottom dwelling marine fish. It lives on coral reefs with clear water in lagoons and even on the outer slopes with a height difference of 6 to 50 metres.

Size

A small fish that grows to 10 cm.

Behavior

The species is diurnal. Adults are often found in pairs along deep cliffs, while juveniles can be found in shallow estuaries.

Food and feeding habits

An omnivorous fish.

Reproduction

Oviparous fish.

Fishing

No commercial value.

Relationship with a person

Occasionally finds its way into the aquarium trade. Poisonous.