Canthigaster figueiredoi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canthigaster figueiredoi |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Canthigaster
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| Species: |
figueiredoi
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The Canthigaster figueiredoi, also known as the Southern Atlantic sharpnose-puffer, is a type of marine fish. It belongs to the Tetraodontidae family, which includes pufferfish. This fish was first discovered off the east coast of South America, in the Atlantic Ocean.
Why This Fish Has Its Name
The Canthigaster figueiredoi is named after Jose Lima de Figueiredo. He was a Brazilian expert who studied fish. Born in 1943, he worked at the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo. He made many important contributions to understanding marine fish in Brazil.
What This Fish Looks Like
This fish can grow up to 12 centimeters (about 4.7 inches) long. It has 9 or 10 soft rays on its back fin, called the dorsal fin. It also has 9 soft rays on its belly fin, known as the anal fin.
One special feature of the Southern Atlantic sharpnose-puffer is a long, dark stripe. This stripe runs along its side, starting near its tail fin and reaching its pectoral fin (the fin behind its gills).
It looks different from another similar fish, C. jamestyleri. The Canthigaster figueiredoi has a dark edge on its tail fin. It does not have bars on its tail fin. It also has fewer stripes and spots on its back. Plus, it lacks a small black spot on its anal fin.
These fish are often seen swimming in pairs. They eat a variety of foods. Their diet includes plants, sponges, small crustaceans (like crabs or shrimp), and mollusks (like snails or clams).
Where This Fish Lives
The Southern Atlantic sharpnose-puffer lives near reefs. It can be found in waters between 1 and 35 meters (about 3 to 115 feet) deep.
Its home range stretches from the southern Caribbean Sea down to Santa Catarina, Brazil. This area also includes islands like the Atol das Rocas and Fernando de Noronha.
