Canthigaster jactator

Canthigaster jactator, the Hawaiian whitespotted toby, is a member of the pufferfish family that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.^[1] It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a length of 9 cm (3.5 in).

Canthigaster jactator
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Tetraodontiformes
Family:	Tetraodontidae
Genus:	Canthigaster
Species:	C. jactator
Binomial name
Canthigaster jactator (O. P. Jenkins, 1901)

Hawaiian whitespotted puffer in Kona

Description

This fish has a compact, elongated body characterized by a pattern of white spots on a darker background.^[2] The white spots serve as a form of camouflage, helping it blend in with coral and rocky environments.^[3] Its head is relatively large compared to its body, and it has a small mouth with teeth that are fused into a beak-like structure.^{[citation needed]} This unique anatomy is typical of pufferfish, allowing it to consume hard-shelled prey.^{[citation needed]} Like other members of the pufferfish family, this species is capable of producing tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that serves as a defense mechanism against predators. The toxin is concentrated in certain tissues and renders the fish highly toxic if ingested.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

The Hawaiian whitespotted toby is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Its primary habitat includes the warm, shallow waters surrounding the Hawaiian archipelago, and inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas, where it can find ample shelter.^{[citation needed]} It is commonly found on lagoon and seaward reefs in Hawaii, where it thrives among coral structures and feeds on small invertebrates and algae. This fish prefer environments with plenty of crevices and ledges, which provide protection from predators. The species is well-adapted to the reef ecosystem, playing a role in maintaining the health of coral habitats.^[4] Its distribution is largely confined to the Hawaiian archipelago, making it an important part of the local marine biodiversity.^[5]

Human use

The Hawaiian whitespotted toby is also known in the aquarium trade, where its striking coloration and compact size make it a popular choice for hobbyists. However, care should be taken when handling or keeping these fish, as they are known to release toxins when stressed, similar to other pufferfish species.^[6]