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puffer_sharpnose

This three-inch Sharp-nose puffer (Canthigaster cinctus) appears to be taking a rest on a sponge, a common behavior among these petite fish. The clasped, often curled position of the caudal fin is normal, even when swimming. Sharp-nosed puffers are also capable of inflating themselves. Their small size (maximum about five inches) suggests they may use a much wider variety of hiding places on the reef-- I can certainly attest they are more difficult to corner for a photograph. This is one of several different coloration patterns among the numerous species of sharp-nosed puffers, with three triangular pigment "saddles" across its back ("cinctus" in the taxonomic name means "band").

About this image

Identification: Canthigaster coronata (Saddle-back puffer)
Location: Luzon Island, Philippines
Contributors: Jeffrey N. Jeffords
photographer copyright holder identification
Subjects: Subject Live Animal; Type Photo; Life Stages and Gender adult/sexually mature; Anatomy coloration/patterning cryptic; Anatomy coloration/patterning disruptive coloration (spots/stripes)

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To cite this page: Jeffords, J. 2004. "puffer_sharpnose.jpg" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed {%B %d, %Y} at https://animaldiversity.org/collections/contributors/jeffrey_jeffords/fish/puffer_sharpnose/

Last updated: 2004-35-14 / Generated: 2025-09-15 02:01