Spotted Sharpnose Puffer

The Spotted Sharpnose Puffer is a small and attractively patterned member of the Canthigaster genus native to the Eastern Pacific, from the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coast of Mexico through Central America to the Galapagos Islands. Its compact body is covered with a dense constellation of small dark brown to black spots on a tan to olive background, with brighter blue spots and lines adorning the face. The pointed snout characteristic of the sharpnose puffers gives it a distinctive profile, and its large, alert eyes add to its engaging appearance.

In the wild, Canthigaster punctatissima is found on rocky reefs, coral outcroppings, and rubble zones at depths of 3 to 25 meters. It is an active, inquisitive species that spends its time hovering around reef structures, picking at algae, sponges, and small invertebrates. Like other tobies, it is territorial and will defend its home range against conspecifics and similarly sized intruders.

In the aquarium, the Spotted Sharpnose Puffer is moderately easy to care for and makes an entertaining addition to an appropriately designed tank. At just 4 inches maximum, it can be housed in aquariums as small as 30 gallons. It is semi-aggressive and may nip at coral polyps, making it a caution rather than a clear no for reef tanks. It readily accepts a variety of frozen and prepared foods and develops a strong personality, often becoming the most interactive fish in the tank.