Fin's Fish Guide
The Ambon toby (Canthigaster amboinensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Comoros and others
Description
The Ambon toby is a sharpnose puffer (Tetraodontidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky body with a pointed snout. The brown body is densely scattered with light-blue spots and lines. With a beak-like dentition it crushes coral, molluscs and crustaceans. Flesh and organs contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin and must never be eaten; touching is harmless.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ambon toby?
The Ambon toby has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Ambon toby live?
The Ambon toby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Comoros and others
How big does the Ambon toby get?
The Ambon toby grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Ambon toby dangerous to humans?
The Ambon toby is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin in its skin, gut and organs and must never be eaten; there is no antidote. If swallowed and symptoms such as tingling, paralysis or breathing difficulty appear: call emergency services immediately and support breathing. Touching is harmless; wash hands afterwards.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Canthigaster
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Ambon toby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ambon toby is one of 12,519 species in the app.