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Undermarked toby (Canthigaster inframacula) — Tetraodontidae

Undermarked toby

Canthigaster inframacula

The Undermarked toby (Canthigaster inframacula) is a saltwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
124.0–274.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
Asia: Japan, Hawaii

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Description

The Undermarked toby is a sharpnose puffer (Tetraodontidae) from the central Pacific, around Hawaii. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a stocky body with a pointed snout. The brown body bears a dark mark below the dorsal-fin base. With a beak-like dentition it crushes coral, molluscs and crustaceans. Flesh and organs contain the deadly poison tetrodotoxin and must never be eaten; touching is harmless.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Undermarked toby?

The Undermarked toby has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Undermarked toby live?

The Undermarked toby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Japan, Hawaii

How big does the Undermarked toby get?

The Undermarked toby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Undermarked toby dangerous to humans?

The Undermarked toby is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin in its skin, gut and organs and must never be eaten; there is no antidote. If swallowed and symptoms such as tingling, paralysis or breathing difficulty appear: call emergency services immediately and support breathing. Touching is harmless; wash hands afterwards.

More photos

Undermarked toby (Canthigaster inframacula) — Tetraodontidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Undermarked toby (Canthigaster inframacula) — Tetraodontidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — YockeyT (CC0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Undermarked toby sourced
Scientific name
Canthigaster inframacula
Family
Tetraodontidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.6 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Beak-shaped sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
124.0 verified
Max depth (m)
274.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
This fish contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin in its skin, gut and organs and must never be eaten; there is no antidote. If swallowed and symptoms such as tingling, paralysis or breathing difficulty appear: call emergency services immediately and support breathing. Touching is harmless; wash hands afterwards. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Canthigaster

More from the family Tetraodontidae

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