Fin's Fish Guide
The Hawaiian whitespotted toby (Canthigaster jactator) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The Hawaiian whitespotted toby is a small sharpnose puffer endemic to the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a brown body covered with numerous white spots. It lives on coral, rock and rubble bottoms of lagoon and outer reefs between 1 and 30 metres depth and eats a very varied diet: sponges, algae, tunicates, worms, small crustaceans and more. Like all puffers its body contains the deadly toxin tetrodotoxin. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hawaiian whitespotted toby?
The Hawaiian whitespotted toby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Brown with white spots; the body contains deadly tetrodotoxin
Where does the Hawaiian whitespotted toby live?
The Hawaiian whitespotted toby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Hawaiian Islands
How big does the Hawaiian whitespotted toby get?
The Hawaiian whitespotted toby grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Hawaiian whitespotted toby dangerous to humans?
The Hawaiian whitespotted toby is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: the body contains tetrodotoxin, a deadly nerve poison with no antidote. Poisoning causes tingling, paralysis and breathing failure. If swallowed, call emergency services immediately and support breathing until medical help arrives.
Is the Hawaiian whitespotted toby edible?
The Hawaiian whitespotted toby is not usually eaten.
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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 Hawaiian whitespotted toby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hawaiian whitespotted toby is one of 12,519 species in the app.