macaronesian sharpnose-puffer
| Scientific name | Canthigaster capistrata |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Lowe |
| Year of description | 1839 |
| IUCN category | LC |
| Family | Tetraodontidae |
| Genus | Canthigaster |
Introduction
Canthigaster capistrata, commonly known as macaronesian sharpnose-puffer, is a salt water fish from the Temperate Eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size9 cm
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Maximum size11 cm
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Average size9 cm
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Maximum size11 cm
How to recognize the macaronesian sharpnose-puffer ?
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.
The macaronesian sharpnose-puffer measures between 9 and 11 cm. This fish is multicolore with a predominantly jaune, bleu, noir, marron, beige and gris body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
The macaronesian sharpnose-puffer is a fish solitary naturally found at mid-depth and near the bottom. This species is carnivorous .
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, the macaronesian sharpnose-puffer has little concern for non-territorial animals.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
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PolygamyYes
The macaronesian sharpnose-puffer is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert. In this species, the dominant males are polygamous and reproduce each season with several females.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature19 - 24 °C
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Depth0 - 20 m
Biotope presentation
The macaronesian sharpnose-puffer is most often found at a depth between 0m and 20m. 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.
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners