Blue Spot Pufferfish (Canthigaster solandri)

Max Size: 4 1/2 inches
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution. May eat stony corals and invertebrates.
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

The Blue Spotted Puffer, also known as the Blue Dot Toby or Blue Dot Sharp-nosed Puffer, belongs to the Canthigaster genus, which includes the Sharp-nosed Puffers or Tobies. It shares many characteristics with the Papuan Toby Puffer, Canthigaster papua, making them quite similar in appearance. However, one key distinction is that the Blue Spotted Puffer, Canthigaster solandri, lacks the orange coloration around its mouth.

These puffers have a unique adaptation – they lack pelvic fins but have learned to use their pectoral fins to move about the aquarium. To house the Blue Spotted Puffer, a fish-only tank of at least 50 gallons is recommended. It's essential to note that their teeth are actually fused into a beak-like structure, allowing them to feed on a variety of foods, including invertebrates commonly found in a reef tank. When handling the puffer, it's best to avoid using a net, as they may become alarmed. Instead, use a container to transfer them if needed.

To maintain a healthy diet, the Blue Spotted Puffer requires a varied intake of meaty foods, such as squid, krill, clams, and hard-shelled shrimp. These foods not only provide the necessary nutrients but also help wear down their ever-growing teeth, promoting good oral health.