Pygmy Toby

Canthigaster pygmaea

The pygmy toby is a small pufferfish species known for its presence in the Red Sea. Divers can find this elusive fish inhabiting coral reefs at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. Despite its small size, reaching a maximum length of 5.6 cm, the pygmy toby can be quite challenging to spot due to its secretive nature, often hiding in small holes within the reef structure. The pygmy toby is harmless to humans and poses no threat during encounters. Divers might experience a sense of accomplishment when spotting this cryptic fish, as it tends to be shy and prefers to remain hidden. In terms of conservation, the pygmy toby is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many reef-associated species, it could be susceptible to habitat changes and degradation.