Fin's Fish Guide
The False-eye toby (Canthigaster solandri) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The spotted sharpnose puffer is a small puffer (Tetraodontidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a stocky, brownish body studded with light-blue spots and lines, with blue lines around the eyes and a dark eyespot at the base of the dorsal fin. It inhabits sheltered rock and coral reefs, intertidal flats and lagoons. As an omnivore it nibbles on a wide range of bottom organisms. Like other puffers it can inflate itself with water and its tissue contains the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; never eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the False-eye toby?
The False-eye toby has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Studded with light blue spots and an eyespot near the dorsal fin; contains the deadly toxin tetrodotoxin.
Where does the False-eye toby live?
The False-eye toby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; sheltered rocky and coral reefs and lagoons.
How big does the False-eye toby get?
The False-eye toby grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the False-eye toby dangerous to humans?
No, the False-eye toby is harmless to humans. The flesh, organs and skin can contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin; never eat this fish. There is no antidote - if ingested, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Is the False-eye toby edible?
The False-eye toby is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 False-eye toby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the False-eye toby is one of 12,519 species in the app.