Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded toby (Canthigaster valentini) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Indo-Pacific; coral heads and rocks of subtidal lagoon and seaward reefs.
Description
Valentin's sharpnose puffer is a small sharpnose puffer of the family Tetraodontidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a white body with four dark saddle blotches on the back and a fine blue dotted pattern. It lives among coral heads and rocks of subtidal lagoon and seaward reefs. As an omnivore it nibbles algae, sponges, tunicates, coral and small invertebrates. Notably the poison tetrodotoxin in its tissue makes it inedible; the filefish Paraluteres prionurus mimics its colour pattern to gain protection itself (Batesian mimicry). Therefore do not eat this puffer.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded toby?
The Banded toby has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern. Four dark saddle blotches; poisonous (tetrodotoxin) and the model for the mimicking filefish Paraluteres prionurus.
Where does the Banded toby live?
The Banded toby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; coral heads and rocks of subtidal lagoon and seaward reefs.
How big does the Banded toby get?
The Banded toby grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Banded toby dangerous to humans?
The Banded toby is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The skin, organs and possibly the flesh can contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis) there is no antidote: call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Banded toby edible?
The Banded toby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Banded toby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded toby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Banded toby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded toby is one of 12,519 species in the app.