Tetraodontidae family, Canthigaster valentini
- Also known as: Valentini's Sharpnose Puffer, Black Saddled Toby, Saddled Puffer
- Marine fish, originates in reefs of Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Maximum length: Approximately 11 cm.
- Lifespan: Believed to be 5-10 years.
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons.
- Preferred pH: 7.9-8.4.
- Preferred temperature: 74-80 degreesF.
- Description: 4 black stripes on the back (saddles), blue-grey head, white body with blue-grey speckles, tail and fins tinted yellow, males have a rainbow streak of color behind eyes.
- Needs to eat a source of shelled food in order to prevent teeth from overgrowing.
- Often considered to be a "fin-nipper", can often co-house with blennies. May nibble at any crustacean in tank, regardless of size; if well fed, generally doesn't bother corals.
- Poisonous to eat.
Sources: Info composite of various on-line sources but mainly culled from researching forum posts and library info at The Puffer Forum
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