The Blue-spotted Toby, Crowned Puffer (Canthigaster cyanospilota) is a captivating species of pufferfish known for its unique coloration and intriguing behavior. This small but striking fish is a common sight in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
Description & Characteristics
The Canthigaster cyanospilota typically reaches a maximum size of 10.4 cm, showcasing a vibrant blend of colors. The fish’s body is adorned with a striking blue and yellow pattern, interspersed with scattered blue spots that give it its common name. These spots, often outlined in black, are a defining characteristic of the species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Canthigaster cyanospilota is a benthic species, primarily inhabiting the sandy and rocky bottoms of tropical and subtropical seas. This species exhibits a depth range of 10.0 to 80.0 meters, thriving in these deeper environments. The Canthigaster cyanospilota is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Red Sea to the Pacific coast of Central America. Its presence is particularly notable in coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky slopes within these marine zones.
Taxonomy
The species Canthigaster cyanospilota belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Tetraodontiformes, and Family: Tetraodontidae. This classification places the Blue-spotted Toby, Crowned Puffer within a group of fish characterized by their unique body shape, often featuring a stout, rounded body and a distinct, often toothless, beak-like mouth. The Tetraodontiformes order is diverse, encompassing pufferfish, triggerfish, filefish, and other related species.
Feeding
The Canthigaster cyanospilota is a specialized feeder, primarily consuming a diet of invertebrates, particularly clams, crustaceans, and shrimps. Its feeding habits also extend to zoobenthos, the organisms that inhabit the bottom of aquatic environments. This species is known to utilize zooxanthellae, symbiotic algae that live within coral polyps, as a source of nutrition. This unique feeding strategy highlights the adaptability and ecological role of the Canthigaster cyanospilota in its marine environment.
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