IntermediatePeacefulNot Reef Safe

Honeycomb Toby

Canthigaster janthinoptera

Family: Tetraodontidae · Pufferfish

Also known as: Honeycomb Sharpnose Puffer, Spotted Toby, Network Toby

Max Size

3.5"

Min Tank

30 gal

Lifespan

4-7 years

Origin

Western Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Middle

About

The Honeycomb Toby is a small and beautifully patterned sharpnose puffer found on coral reefs throughout the western Pacific. Its common name derives from the distinctive honeycomb-like network of dark lines overlaying a lighter body, creating an intricate geometric pattern that is both attractive and effective as camouflage among reef structures. Blue-green lines radiate from the eyes, and the fins are often tinged with yellow or orange.

This diminutive puffer inhabits shallow coral reefs and lagoons, where it maintains a small territory among coral rubble and branching corals. It feeds on a variety of small invertebrates, algae, and detritus, using its sharp beak to pick at encrusting organisms and crack open small hard-shelled prey. Like other Canthigaster species, it produces tetrodotoxin as a defense against predators.

At a maximum size of only 3.5 inches, the Honeycomb Toby is one of the smallest pufferfish available in the aquarium trade, making it suitable for nano and small marine aquariums of 30 gallons or more. It is moderately hardy, adapts well to captive conditions with proper acclimation, and develops the engaging personality characteristic of all toby puffers. However, it is not reef-safe and will nip at coral polyps, clam mantles, and small invertebrates. Best maintained in a small fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock setup.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

Honeycomb Tobies are carnivores that feed on small invertebrates, algae, and detritus in the wild. In captivity, offer frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets. Provide small hard-shelled foods occasionally to maintain their continuously growing beak. Their small size means portions should be appropriately scaled. Feed two to three times daily.

Compatibility

not-reef-safepeacefulintelligentpersonality-fishsmall-puffernano-suitable

The Honeycomb Toby is peaceful toward other fish but will consume small invertebrates and nip at corals. Its small size means it should be kept with similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates. Avoid housing with large, aggressive species that could bully it, as well as seahorses, pipefish, or delicate invertebrates. Keep only one per tank to avoid territorial disputes.

Check Compatibility

Breeding

Difficult

Honeycomb Tobies are harem spawners in the wild. Males defend territories containing several females and courtship involves visual displays. Eggs are deposited on substrate. Captive breeding is rarely documented due to the difficulty of rearing the tiny larvae.