Animal Species:Clown Toby, Canthigaster callisterna (Ogilby, 1889)

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.

Clown Toby, Canthigaster callisterna

Clown Toby, Canthigaster callisterna
Richard Ling © Richard Ling

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."

Size range

The species grows to a maximum length of 25 cm.

Distribution

The Clown Toby occurs in New South Wales, including Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, and New Zealand.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Clown Toby specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is often seen in pairs on deep coastal and offshore reefs.

Classification

Species:
callisterna
Genus:
Canthigaster
Family:
Tetraodontidae
Order:
Tetraodontiformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  2. 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.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags fish, ichthyology, Clown Toby, Canthigaster callisterna, Tetraodontidae,