Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotback toby (Canthigaster supramacula) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Spotback toby is a small sharpnose puffer or toby (Tetraodontidae) from reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, scaleless body with a pointed snout and a brown to olive pattern of spots and lines; when threatened it inflates with water. With a strong beak-like jaw it gnaws at invertebrates, coral and algae. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotback toby?
The Spotback toby has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Spotback toby live?
The Spotback toby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Cape Verde, Ghana, Ivory coast
How big does the Spotback toby get?
The Spotback toby grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Spotback toby dangerous to humans?
The Spotback toby is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful nerve poison with no antidote; do not eat it. After ingestion tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and breathing problems can develop within an hour. Call emergency services at once; prompt medical monitoring and breathing support are life-saving.
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 Spotback toby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotback toby is one of 12,519 species in the app.