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Charming, bold, and undeniably quirky, the Black Saddled Pufferfish (Canthigaster valentini)—also known as the Valentini Puffer—is a small but charismatic saltwater species. Recognisable by its white body patterned with bold black "saddle" markings and yellow-tinted fins, this little puffer has big personality and quickly becomes a favourite in any marine aquarium.
Unlike larger puffers, Valentini Puffers remain relatively small and are often chosen for reef-style tanks, though with caution as they may nip at corals or invertebrates.
Species: Canthigaster valentini
Common Names: Black Saddled Puffer, Valentini Puffer, Saddled Toby
Origin: Indo-Pacific – reefs and lagoons
Light Requirements: Moderate – thrives under standard reef lighting
Diet: Omnivorous – meaty marine foods such as mysis shrimp, chopped shellfish, krill, squid, and some algae-based foods. Needs hard-shelled foods (like clams or snails) to keep teeth trimmed.
Maximum Size: 10–12 cm
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, bold personality
Care Level: Intermediate
Aquarium Setup:
Best housed in marine aquariums of 200 litres or larger with plenty of rockwork and caves for exploration. Though small, these puffers have a lot of character and need space to swim as well as places to perch. A secure lid is essential—they are excellent jumpers. Not considered reef-safe, as they may nip corals, clams, or ornamental shrimp.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
Hardness: 8–12 dKH
Growth and Maintenance:
Black Saddled Puffers are relatively hardy once settled but require a balanced diet including shelled foods to prevent dental overgrowth. They are intelligent, recognise their keepers, and may even beg for food at the glass. Care must be taken not to stress them, as puffers may inflate when threatened.
Care Tips:
✔ Provide meaty, varied foods including shellfish for dental health
✔ Avoid housing with delicate corals and invertebrates
✔ Maintain excellent water quality with stable parameters
✔ Offer live rock and caves for enrichment
✔ Keep in a tank with a secure lid
Compatibility:
Best suited to tanks with medium-sized, semi-aggressive fish such as tangs, wrasses, and angelfish. Avoid housing with tiny shrimp or very passive fish, as puffers may nip.
Availability:
Regularly available in the marine aquarium trade across Australia. Often sold as juveniles around 5–7 cm and adapt well to captivity when fed appropriately.