Care
Bennett's Sharpnose Pufferfish is known from inner reef flats and sheltered lagoons, to depths of 15m (49ft). This is a fairly common inshore species that is often found in silty or algae-filled areas and amongst Sargassum spp. seaweed on shallow rubble flats. Here these fish may be observed singly or in small groups, feeding on filamentous algae, fleshy algae, some coralline red algae, and benthic invertebrates. This inquisitive puffer is best maintained in a "œfish only, with live rock" aquarium where it would pose no danger to corals, ornamental snails, shrimp and other small prized inverts. Tankmates should be chosen carefully; species with long fins should be avoided, as occasional puffer specimens will nip and leave their telltale circular holes in the fins. This behaviour is more likely to become apparent in small tanks, so adequate space must be given. Bennett's Sharpnose Pufferfish should be kept singly unless in a known mated pair, and even then, they should be watched carefully lest the male becomes too aggressive. Will fight with other members of the Canthigaster genus. As with all pufferfish, it should never be deliberately provoked into inflating itself. When handling this fish, it is best to herd it into a container, rather than using a net and lifting the fish clear of the water where it may ingest air. May also be seen on sale as Bennett's Toby, Brownback Toby, or Exquisite Toby.
Feeding
Offer a varied diet for omnivores. Meaty items should include krill, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, chopped cockle/ mussel/ hard-shelled shrimp/ squid/ fish/clam meat etc, and herbivore rations such Nori, vegetable matter etc. Browses on red and green filamentous algae, red coralline algae, and devours many tiny critters found in the live rock (this action should help keep the beak worn down). Feed small amounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild, this species spawns en-masse once or twice a year, with tens of thousands of fish coming together to form a colossal spawning shoal. Prior to spawning, the fish swim in coordinated streams for several days, then they begin scattering eggs/milt over patches of coral rubble/algae tufts.
