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

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.

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.

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Clown Toby specimens in the Australian Museum.

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: 10 May 2013

Tags fish, ichthyology, Clown Toby, Canthigaster callisterna, Tetraodontidae, yellow, white, brown, red, maroon, deep-bodied, 10 cm - 30 cm, stripes or bands, countershaded, coastal, offshore reef, marine, adult,