Ambon pufferfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ambon pufferfish |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Canthigaster
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| Species: |
amboinensis
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The Canthigaster amboinensis, also known as the Ambon pufferfish, Ambon toby, or spider-eye puffer, is a type of pufferfish. It belongs to the family Tetraodontidae. You can often find this fish in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. This includes places like Australia, Indonesia, Japan, and the Hawaiian Islands. Its name comes from Ambon Island in Indonesia.
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About the Ambon Pufferfish
The Ambon pufferfish is a round-bodied fish. Even though it looks a bit chunky, it's a very fast swimmer. This makes it tricky to get close to! These fish can grow up to 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) long.
How to Spot an Ambon Pufferfish
You can tell an Ambon pufferfish apart by its unique look. It has a dark brown body color. Bright blue-green lines spread out from its eyes. Its cheeks have dark blue spots and lines. You'll also see shiny light blue to white spots on its head and body. However, these spots are missing from its lower jaw to its bottom fin area.
There are over 30 different species in the Canthigaster group. The Ambon pufferfish is not often studied by scientists. It can also be hard to tell apart from its close relatives.
Where Ambon Pufferfish Live
Ambon pufferfish live in the tropical parts of the Indo-Pacific region. They usually hang out in pairs. You'll find them near large rocks in shallow water close to the shore. They also live on small patches of coral reef.
Their Home Territory
Female pufferfish usually stay in an area about 25 square meters big. Males, however, roam a much larger space. Their territory can be between 100 and 175 square meters. Young Ambon pufferfish are quite shy. They often hide in holes. You can usually only spot them near the edges of outer reefs.
What Ambon Pufferfish Eat
Scientists studied the diet of Ambon pufferfish near Oahu, Hawaii. They found that these fish eat many different things. Their diet is quite varied!
A Diverse Menu
Here's what they found in the pufferfish stomachs:
- 43.6% algae (a type of plant-like organism)
- 12.7% polychaetes (small marine worms)
- 4.7% gastropods (snails and slugs)
- 3.2% unidentified food items
How Ambon Pufferfish Reproduce
When it's time to lay eggs, the male pufferfish plays a role. He hovers near the nesting spot. This is where the female is laying her eggs.
Laying Eggs
A female pufferfish lays her eggs for about 20 to 30 seconds at one nesting site. She might have several "spawning bouts." These are like short egg-laying sessions. Each session lasts about 45 to 80 seconds. She can have about five of these bouts.
