Fin's Fish Guide
The Green-spotted toby (Canthigaster janthinoptera) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The honeycomb toby is a small sharpnose pufferfish from the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches only about 9 cm and has a brown body covered with countless white to blue-green spots, especially on the rear half. As a reef-dweller it picks at sponges, algae and small invertebrates with its small, beak-like mouth. Like all pufferfishes its body contains the powerful toxin tetrodotoxin; eating it can be fatal. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Green-spotted toby?
The Green-spotted toby has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Brown body with countless spots; contains tetrodotoxin (poisonous to eat)
Where does the Green-spotted toby live?
The Green-spotted toby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Green-spotted toby get?
The Green-spotted toby grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Green-spotted toby dangerous to humans?
The Green-spotted toby is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Never eat this fish: like all pufferfishes it contains tetrodotoxin, a deadly poison with no antidote. If swallowed (tingling, paralysis): call emergency services immediately.
Is the Green-spotted toby edible?
The Green-spotted 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 Green-spotted toby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Green-spotted toby is one of 12,519 species in the app.