Guide
to the Coastal Resources of Guam: Vol. 1
THE FISHES
Steven S. AMESBURY Robert F. MYERS
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TETRAODONTIDAE (PUFFERS)
Members of the genus Canthigaster are characterized by their small size (under 11 cm) and relatively long, pointed snouts and are easily distinguishable from one another by color pattern. C. solandri is the most abundant of eight species of Canthigaster known from Guam. It is a common inhabitant of all reef habitats from intertidal seagrass beds to depths of over 36 m along outer reef slopes. Juveniles tend to inhabit shallow reef flats and inner harbors in areas not frequented by adults. Canthigaster solandri is an opportunist that feeds primarily on benthic algae and to a lesser extent on a wide variety of small benthic invertebrates. It often occurs in pairs, occasionally singly or in small groups. Individuals are often found well away from shelter and patrol relatively large areas of reef. INDO-PACIFIC: E. Africa to Mangareva, n. to the Ryukyus, s. to
New Caledonia; extremely rare in Hawaii.
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