Mimic Saddle Puffer

Also known as Valentini Puffer, Saddled Puffer, Black Saddle Toby

The Mimic Saddle Puffer is a small, attractive species featuring distinctive black “saddle” markings on a white body with yellow-orange accents. This species gets its name from mimicking the venomous Saddle Filefish (Paraluteres prionurus) for protection. Small, personable, and relatively peaceful, this puffer is an excellent choice for smaller systems. However, it can be territorial and may nip at tankmates and corals.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Paraluterus prionurus
• Common Names: Valentini Puffer, Black Saddle Toby, Saddled Puffer
• Adult Size: Up to 4 inches
• Lifespan: 5-8 years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial and may nip fins
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; will nip at corals and consume invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate; can be territorial

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Provide open swimming areas with live rock formations featuring caves and territories. Appreciates moderate water flow. Include visual barriers and multiple territories. Secure decorations.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Good water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• Quality filtration system
• Protein skimmer
• Moderate water circulation
• Secure lid (can jump)

These maintain healthy conditions for this small predator.

Diet & Feeding

Mimic Saddle Puffers are carnivores with continuously growing teeth.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen mysis shrimp, frozen krill, chopped seafood
• Hard-shelled foods: Small snails, small shrimp with shells (ESSENTIAL for tooth wear)
• Variety: Squid, scallops, clams, marine fish
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods

Feeding Frequency: 1-2 times daily

Special Note: MUST have regular hard-shelled foods to wear down continuously growing teeth. Without proper hard foods, teeth overgrow and fish cannot eat properly.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Best with semi-aggressive fish; avoid peaceful or long-finned species
• Territorial: Can be aggressive toward other small fish and puffers
• Fin Nipper: Known to nip fins of angelfish, butterflyfish, and slow swimmers
• Reef Safety: Will nip at coral polyps and consume small invertebrates

Notes & Considerations

• Distinctive black saddle markings on white body with yellow-orange tail.
• Mimics toxic Saddle Filefish for protection from predators.
• Small size suitable for moderately sized aquariums.
• Very personable and interactive; recognizes the owner.
• Can become quite tame and bold.
• Territorial and aggressive despite small size.
• May harass tankmates, especially other small fish.
• Known fin nipper; avoid slow-moving or long-finned fish.
• Teeth grow continuously; hard-shelled foods are mandatory.
• Will consume small ornamental shrimp and snails.
• Actively nips at coral polyps including soft corals, LPS, and zoanthids.
• Not suitable for reef aquariums.
• Best in fish-only or FOWLR systems with appropriate tankmates.
• Can be kept in smaller tanks compared to larger puffers.
• May become aggressive if the tank is too small or overcrowded.
• Produces toxins (tetrodotoxin) when stressed; dangerous to tankmates.
• Generally does not release toxins unless severely stressed or dying.
• Hardy once established; relatively disease-resistant.
• Susceptible to ich and marine velvet; copper-safe for treatment.
• Can jump when startled; secure lid recommended.
• Native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs.
• Often confused with actual Saddle Filefish (non-puffer).
• Excellent small puffer for those accepting territorial behavior.
• Requires careful tankmate selection.

Why Choose a Quarantined Mimic Saddle Puffer?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, well-acclimated puffer. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied foods including essential hard-shelled items for tooth maintenance before sale. This provides the best foundation for long-term success with this attractive small puffer.