Canthigaster compressa (Marion de Procé, 1822)
Compressed toby
photo by Yin, Robert

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Canthigasterinae
Max. size:  12 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 2 - 25 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines to the Solomon Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands and southern Marianas, south to Vanuatu.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Caudal fin with a series of faint, narrow undulating lines (Ref. 559). Description: Characterized further by brownish color with combination of fine blue to white lines and white spots on head and body; dorsal fin base with blue or green-edged black spot; yellowish tail, blue-barred; depth of body at origin of anal fin 2.4-3.1 in SL; head length 2.4-2.6 in SL; snout length 1.4-1.6 in head length; bony interorbital width 2.9-3.8 in head length; caudal peduncle depth 2.0-2.4 in head length; slightly rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits sandy areas of shallow lagoons and channels (Ref. 9710, 48637). Also found in silty bays or harbors around wharf pilings. Adults usually in pairs (Ref. 48637).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 June 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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