Valentini Puffer

Valentini Puffer, Canthigaster valentini, is also known as the Valentini Sharpnose Puffer or the Black Saddle Puffer. Its white body is covered with dark brown dots. A few different black "saddle" markings traverse its dorsal area. The tail fin varies from specimen to specimen covering shades of deep gold to yellow. Just as personable as some of the larger Puffers, it grows to a maximum size of around 4 inches. This Indo-Pacific native can found from the Red Sea to south of Japan. Though small in size, the Valentini can nip and and bite the fins of aquarium mates. It should be kept with other compatible semi-aggressive fish and will likely be aggressive toward its own species. The Valentini Puffer does feed on red algae, green algae, and coralline algae, but also likes to use its teeth feeding on crustaceans. It is definitely not recommended for the reef aquarium. Meaty foods it may accept include krill, clam, and carnivore preparations.