is Remarks: Although it is known from only a single specimen, the longitudinally striped color pattern of
Canthigaster criobe is unique within the genus and easily distinguishes C. criobe from all other described
Canthigaster species. Although C. janthinoptera has its body covered with blue centered white spots, the orangish
brown reticulations are similar in color to the stripes of C. criobe. In both of these species the base of the caudal fin
has narrow brown lines extending onto the bases of the fin rays (Figs. 1, 3). Some specimens of C. janthinoptera
have a few lines on the upper part of the body (Fig. 3), but never a striped pattern like that of C. criobe.
Canthigaster criobe and C. janthinoptera, along with the Hawaiian endemic C. jactator form a species complex
within Canthigaster.
treated as a noun in apposition