Clown Toby, Canthigaster callisterna (Ogilby, 1889)
Click to enlarge image
© Richard Ling
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Canthigaster
- Species
- callisterna
- Family
- Tetraodontidae
- Order
- Tetraodontiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- The species grows to a maximum length of 25 cm.
Introduction
The Clown Toby can be recognised by the parallel dark stripes and white interspace which run along the side of the body. The species occurs in New South Wales, including Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, and New Zealand.
Identification
The Clown Toby can be recognised by the parallel dark stripes and white interspace which run along the side of the body. The female fish in the middle image shows the typical colour pattern. She was being followed by the paler male in the lower image. Rudie Kuiter (personal communication) stated that "In males the two black lateral stripes often fade, and when courting the stripes can disappear all together."
Habitat
It is often seen in pairs on deep coastal and offshore reefs.
Distribution
The Clown Toby occurs in New South Wales, including Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, and New Zealand.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
References
- Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Crawford House Press. Pp. 437. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
