Canthigaster natalensis
| Scientific name | Canthigaster natalensis |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Günther |
| Year of description | 1870 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Tetraodontidae |
| Genus | Canthigaster |
Introduction
Canthigaster natalensis is a salt water fish from the western Indian Ocean.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size7 cm
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Maximum size8.6 cm
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Patterntasks
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Type
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Average size7 cm
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Maximum size8.6 cm
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Patterntasks
How to recognize Canthigaster natalensis ?
This species belongs to the group of pufferfish. These fish are nicknamed like this because they have the ability to inflate themselves when they feel threatened.
To achieve this inflation, they swallow water and fill their stomach to more than double their volume. This is made possible by their stretchy skin. This subterfuge makes them look much more impressive to their predators. They are also much more complicated to swallow. This change in shape becomes a disadvantage for these fish that, once inflated, can hardly move.
Canthigaster natalensis measures between 7 and 8.6 cm. This fish is bicolore with a predominantly marron and beige body. The also has blanc tasks.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivore and corallivore
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Sociabilityliving as a couple or alone
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
Canthigaster natalensis is a fish living as a couple or alone naturally found at mid-depth and near the bottom. This species is carnivore and corallivore .
This species is territorial and does not appreciate the presence of intruders nearby, especially animals with similar behavior. It can also be virulent toward conspecifics. However, Canthigaster natalensis has little concern for non-territorial animals. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
Canthigaster natalensis is a fish ovipare.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature25 - 29 °C
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Depth0 - 15 m
Biotope presentation
Canthigaster natalensis is most often found at a depth between 0m and 15m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
To go further
Species of the same family
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Species of the same family
Same genus
