Care
The Leopard Toby is known from the deep waters of steep drop-offs, where they may be found amongst caves, singly or in pairs, to depths of 50m (164ft). 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. The Leopard Toby should be kept singly, unless a known mated pair can be acquired, 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 Leopard Pufferfish or Leopard Sharpnose Pufferfish.
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.
