Canthigaster papua (Bleeker, 1848)
Papuan toby
photo by Bednarzik, J.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Canthigasterinae
Max. size:  10 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal soft rays: 8-10. Description: Characterized by reddish brown body color with small blue-white spots on head, body and caudal fin; blue eye spokes; snout and back with blue lines; base of dorsal fin with prominent blue-edged black spot; depth of body at origin of anal fin 2.1-2.7 in SL; head length 2.3-2.7 in SL; snout length 1.3-1.5 in head length; caudal peduncle depth 1.7-2.2 in head length; slightly rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Lives in coastal to outer reef habitats from silty to pristine reefs (Ref. 48637). Occurs in clear, coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 37816). Sometimes solitary (Ref. 90102). Adults often in pairs along deep drop-offs while juveniles can be found in shallow estuaries (Ref. 48637).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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