Clown Toby, Canthigaster callisterna Click to enlarge image
A Clown Toby at Home Bommie, Ulladulla, New South Wales. Image: Richard Ling
© Richard Ling

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Canthigaster
    Species
    callisterna
    Family
    Tetraodontidae
    Order
    Tetraodontiformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to a maximum length of 25 cm.

Introduction

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.

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."

Habitat

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

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 data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

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.