Valentini Puffer (Canthigaster valentini)

Canthigaster valentini, the Black-Saddled Toby, is a small, personable puffer that mimics the toxic Filefish Paraluteres prionurus for protection, featuring distinctive brown saddles on white with orange-spotted flanks. Active and curious, it provides endless entertainment in a fish-only or FOWLR system but will nip at invertebrates, soft corals, and long-finned fish. Best housed with robust short-finned tankmates in a system where its natural inquisitiveness can be fully expressed.

Provide a 120 L minimum tank with ample rock and open swimming areas. Feed a varied diet of meaty frozen foods and hard-shelled invertebrates such as snails to help manage dental wear. Maintain temperature 22–27°C, SG 1.020–1.025. Not reef safe with invertebrates. Avoid housing with long-finned fish susceptible to nipping.