Valentini puffer

Canthigaster valentini · Tetraodontidae

Also known as Saddle valentini puffer, Black saddled toby

Intermediate

Small, endlessly curious puffer with a strong urge to nip fins, corals and inverts.

In short: A Valentini puffer needs at least 130 L (34 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.

Updated 6 October 2026

Minimum tank: 130 L (34 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Adult size: 10 cm (3.9 in)
Group size: 1+

Reef & marine husbandry

Specific gravity: 1.023–1.026
Reef safety: Not reef safe
With corals: Nips LPS, soft corals and clams.
With inverts: Eats shrimp, snails and small crabs.
Minimum in a mixed reef: 200 L (53 US gal)
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR): 130 L (34 US gal)
Aggression: Fin-nipper; keep with robust tank mates.
Feeding: Daily, with hard-shelled items.

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume: 130 L (34 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Hardness: 8–12 dGH
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Diet: Carnivore — shelled shrimp, clam, krill; hard food keeps its teeth down.
Care level: Intermediate

Origin & habitat

Native region: Indo-Pacific
Water type: Saltwater
Biotope: Reef flats and lagoons
Natural conditions: Moderate flow, plenty of rock.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum group: 1 fish
Swims: All levels
Good tank mates: Tangs
Larger wrasses
Hardy damsels
Avoid: Long-finned fish
Ornamental shrimp
Reef tanks with LPS

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty: Advanced
Sexing: Males have brighter blue lines behind the eye.
Notes: Not bred at home.
Common ailments: Marine ich
Overgrown teeth

Will it fit your tank?

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