Valentini puffer

Description

Valentini Puffer
Canthigaster valentini

Origin: Indo-Pacific – Red Sea, East Africa to Japan, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji
Size: Up to 11 cm

Reef Compatibility:

• Small Fish Safe: ✅ Yes
• Invert Safe: ❌ No – may nip at shrimp, crabs, and snails
• Coral Safe: ⚠️ With Caution – may nip at soft corals and polyps

Diet: Omnivore – feeds on algae, small invertebrates, and crustaceans; in captivity, offer a varied diet of meaty foods, marine pellets, and algae-based foods. Needs hard-shelled foods (clam, mussel, shrimp) to help wear down teeth.
Care Level: Easy to Moderate – hardy but requires a mature, stable system.
Aggression: Semi-aggressive – generally peaceful but may nip tank mates if underfed or stressed.
Captive-Bred Available: ❌ No

Notes:
The Valentini Puffer, also known as the Black Saddled Toby, is a small pufferfish with a charming personality and bold markings. Known to recognise keepers and follow movement outside the tank. Like other puffers, it can inflate itself when stressed, but this should not be triggered deliberately. Needs plenty of open swimming space and hiding spots.

Why We Like It:
Full of character and always curious, the Valentini Puffer brings energy and personality to the tank. Its manageable size and hardiness make it a favourite among puffer enthusiasts and reef keepers with mixed systems.