Canthigaster rivulata (Temminck & Schlegel, 1850)
Brown-lined puffer
Canthigaster rivulata
photo by Tanaka, H.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Canthigasterinae
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 350 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa south to Natal, South Africa (Ref. 4919) and east to Hawaii, north to southern Japan, south to northwestern Australia (Ref. 3132). Recorded in Kermadec Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Body with 2 longitudinal dark bands that join in front of gill slit, lower band faint or absent; small dark spots ventrally; caudal fin with dark stripes; dark blotch at caudal base (Ref. 4919).
Biology:  Inhabits rocky and coral reefs (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). A deep water species known from trawls, rarely seen by diving and occasionally visits deep sandy slopes where upwellings occur (Ref. 48637).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  venomous


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