Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby (Canthigaster jactator)

The Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby (Canthigaster jactator) is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is one of the most common reef fish in Hawaiian waters, immediately recognizable by its compact, rounded body covered in bold white spots on a rich brown-to-dark background. Tobies are small pufferfish belonging to the genus Canthigaster, sharing the same beaked teeth and curious, active personality as their larger relatives. In the aquarium it is hardy and adapts readily to captive conditions, becoming bold and curious about everything in its environment — it will actively investigate hands, equipment, and new additions. Like all tobies, it is a natural predator of invertebrates including coral polyps, small ornamental shrimp, and snails, and must not be housed in reef or invertebrate systems.

House in a fish-only or FOWLR system of at least 120 liters. Do not combine with ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs, or corals — will eat them. Feed twice daily with frozen mysis, marine pellets, frozen shrimp, and occasional hard-shelled foods to wear down its beak teeth. Generally peaceful with larger, robust fish but may nip fins of slow-moving or long-finned species. A secure lid is advised.