Spotted Toby

Spotted Toby / False Eye Toby

Scientific name: Canthigaster solandri (commonly)
Other common names: Spotted Toby, False Eye Puffer, Sharpnose Puffer
Family: Tetraodontidae

Description

The Spotted (False Eye) Toby is a small, attractive marine pufferfish best known for the distinct black “false eye” spot near the tail, which helps confuse predators. It has a compact body, pointed snout, and beautiful spotted patterning that varies slightly between individuals. Tobies are intelligent, curious, and full of personality, often recognizing their owners.

Care Requirements

Tank Size

• Minimum tank size: 120–150 litres (30–40 gallons)

• Larger tanks recommended for stability and enrichment

Temperament

• Semi-aggressive

• Best kept alone or with carefully chosen tank mates

• May nip fins or harass slow-moving fish

Reef Compatibility

• ❌ Not reef safe

• Will nip at:

  • Corals

  • Tube worms

  • Snails

  • Crabs

  • Shrimp

Tank Setup

• Live rock with caves and hiding places

• Open swimming areas

• Stable water conditions are critical

• Strong filtration (puffers are messy eaters)

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.026

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Diet & Feeding

• Carnivorous

• Feed a varied diet:

  • Frozen mysis shrimp

  • Krill

  • Chopped prawns

  • Clams and mussels (shell-on occasionally)

  • High-quality marine pellets (supplement, not staple)

⚠️ Important:
Hard-shelled foods help wear down their teeth, preventing overgrowth.

Feeding Frequency

• 1–2 times daily in small portions

Adult Size

• Up to ±12 cm

Compatibility Notes

• Avoid housing with:

  • Small crustaceans

  • Passive or long-finned fish

• Possible tank mates:

  • Robust wrasses

  • Damsels

  • Larger, confident fish (with caution)

Special Notes

• Can inflate when stressed (avoid netting – use containers)

• Highly intelligent and interactive

• Sensitive to poor water quality

• Not recommended for beginner marine keepers