Copyright © NPS/Bill Eichenlaub, Creative Commons
Puffers :
Marine puffer fish: The inflation great!
courtesy to : www.practiclfishkeeping.co.uk by Dave Wolfenden
Any retail price index for marine puffers may be high, but you get personality and intelligence for your investment. Dave Wolfenden reveals a high interest rate for these gilt-edged fish.
What makes marine puffers among the most endearing aquarium fish? Is it their crazy behaviour or amazing adaptations? How about their out-and-out personality?
These fish have a lot going for them — but, before plumping for a puffer, be aware of what you’re taking on...
Their families include Tetraodontidae (the 'true' puffers) and the Diodontidae (technically porcupinefishes and also including burrfishes). There’s also a related family, the Triodontidae, comprising solely the bizarre Threetooth puffer (Triodon macropterus) which is rarely seen in the hobby.
True puffers differ from porcupinefish firstly in dentition. True puffers have four teeth, to which their family name translates, while porcupinefish possess only two teeth ('di'- meaning two and 'dont' meaning teeth), fused into a powerful beak.
The morphology of spines covering the body also differs. In porcupinefish these tend to be more developed and prominent, hence the family’s common name.
Regardless, all these fish are highly evolved and extremely specialised in terms of biology. They are, of course, famed for possessing Tetrodotoxin (TTX) — one of the most potent neurotoxins known to science.
This is found in the organs, such as the liver and ovaries, and probably synthesised by endosymbiotic bacteria passed along the food chain.
However, puffers raised in captivity seem to be non-toxic, appearing to confirm that the TTX is externally produced.
Selection/health:
A specimen in a holding tank should appear active and alert. Check skin and fins for signs of trauma during transport and avoid any physically damaged fish. If the specimen appears in good condition, go for it — but quarantining any new additions is highly recommended.
Puffers and porcupinefish are generally pretty hardy, but can be vulnerable to parasitic infections such as Cryptocaryon due to their thin, sensitive skin, although conventional copper-based treatments will help to clear up these problems.
Some species appear susceptible to eye infections, which seem to result from prolonged exposure to sub-optimal water quality.
Move with care:
When puffers or porcupinefish are moved they are liable to inflate themselves – and porcupinefish particularly can become easily entangled in nets.
It’s also best to avoid lifting them out of the water, as they are liable to take in air, which can cause problems.
Coax them into a bucket, beaker or other suitable container underwater for lifting, eliminating the need to expose them to air.
It’s inevitable that the fish will find the capture process traumatic, but try to minimise stress levels by dimming the lights and reducing handling time.
Despite their often tough appearance, be fully aware of that extremely sensitive and flexible skin. For this reason, puffers are susceptible to damage during movement and they often fare badly with cleaner wrasses (Labroides spp.). Overzealous cleaners can cause nasty wounds, which are prime sites for secondary infections.
Tank mates :
Companions need to be chosen fairly carefully, but get it right and most puffers and porcupines are as good as gold.
The smaller puffers have a reputation for fin nipping, so should only be housed with suitably robust species.
Larger puffers and porcupinefish can be extremely aggressive with conspecifics, or even heterospecifics of a similar appearance, so limit stocking to one member of each genus and limit all other tank mates to aggressive or semi-aggressive species. Larger tangs, groupers, eels are good choices.
Aquarium sizes :
The smaller Sharpnosed puffers (Canthigaster spp.) require 150 l/33 gal or so in volume. The ‘medium’ puffers, such as Arothron meleagris or Diodon holocanthus, should have an absolute minimum of 500 l/110 gal, preferably double.
As for the largest, such as the Map puffer (Arothron mappa) or the Common porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix), even 1,000 l/220 gal is probably insufficient.
It’s vital to positively ID a specimen and determine a good idea of potential adult size.
Larger species demand efficient filtration. Due to their sheer bulk and large appetite, puffers and porcupinefish can generate inordinate waste and contribute huge inputs of ammonia and solid waste to the system.
This issue can best be dealt with by a combination of strategies. Highly effective and regularly cleaned mechanical filtration can help limit the effects of solid wastes. Aggressive protein skimming, preferably via an oversized skimmer and maybe utilising ozone, is a must and efficient biological filtration vital.
These are intelligent fish, benefiting from a suitably complex environment to explore. Ensure plenty of rocky aquascaping, perhaps with lots of rubble thrown in for good measure. Caves and overhangs will also be appreciated.
As for housing in a reef aquarium, don’t even bother with the larger puffers and porcupines.
However, the Sharpnosed puffers can be worth a punt, but still risky. For the best chance of success avoid SPS corals, smaller brittle stars and other bite-sized inverts in the same tank.
Feeding regime :
The Sharpnosed puffers require frequent feeding, especially in traditional fish-only set-ups which provide limited invertebrates and algae for them to rasp from the rocks. Chopped prawn, cockle, frozen Mysis, algal feeds and flake should all be offered twice a day.
The larger species from the Arothron, Diodon and Chilomycterus genera should be fed less frequently, with adults perhaps only every other day.
Overfeeding is a big problem with puffers, so don’t respond to their inevitable begging behaviour.
Larger fish should be offered hard-shelled fare, such as cockles and mussels, frequently to wear down their ever-growing teeth. The consequences otherwise could mean dental surgery.
Can I breed any puffers?
As for captive breeding, these fish are extremely challenging and there are no reliable reports of any successes.
However, in Japan there’s ongoing research and some promising work into pufferfish breeding, particularly Takifugu, for the lucrative aquaculture industry there.
Make your tank puffer proof!
Larger puffers can make light work of the crunchiest invertebrates and also trash their aquariums! Make sure vulnerable items, such as thermometers and electrical cables, are well out of reach of those fearsome teeth!
Seven and out?
A persistent rumour claims that these fish can only inflate themselves seven times before they die. What nonsense!
While puffing up is a sign of fear or stress, experience shows that puffers are not rigidly limited to a finite number before they expire.
Even so, never encourage a puffer to inflate. Despite the rather comical appearance, unnecessary 'puffing' may be a traumatic experience.
Meet the species :
Tetraodontidae
The Canthigaster genus comprises the Sharpnosed puffers or Tobies which are easily identified by their elongated snout and relatively streamlined bodies.
These are the more diminutive puffers and the choice for smaller systems. However, tank mates should not include any with trailing fins as these fish are notorious fin nippers.
Often on sale is the Jewel puffer (C. solandri) from the Indo-Pacific with its attractive 'spots and stripes' coloration and the Valentini puffer (C. valentini) — pictured above — another Indo-Pacific species. Each reaches 11cm/4.3”.
This species is expertly copied by the creatively named Mimic filefish (Paraluterus prionurus) which exploits the natural aversion that predatory fish have for the toxic puffer.
Occasionally encountered is the Hawaiian (C. jactator) with its striking coloration of white spots on a brown background. This grows to 9cm/3.5” in length.
The Dogface puffers of the Arothron genus always provoke a reaction. Some aquarists love them, many find them creepy. I think they’re great!
All Dogface puffers reach a considerable size, in terms of girth as well as length, and they make a proportional amount of mess!
The Spotted or Guineafowl pufferfish (A. meleagris) from the Indo-Pacific is found in a number of colour morphs, with a stunning 'golden' morph commanding a considerable price. Expect this species to reach around 20cm/8”.
Also worth considering is the Panda puffer (Arothron diadematus) from the Western Indian Ocean. It has distinctive 'mask' markings and attains a similar size in captivity.
Diodontidae
The most frequently offered porcupinefish is the Long-spined (Diodon holocanthus). Having a circumtropical distribution, this charismatic fish reaches 30cm/12” or so in captivity.
This species is prone to eye infections, however, which can lead to permanent blindness, so maintain good water quality to prevent such issues.
Otherwise, this is a rewarding fish which should live for many years
The Common porcupinefish (D. hystrix) is also circumtropical and a little less outgoing and more cryptic than the previous species. It grows large though — up to nearly 1m/3.3’ in the wild!
Captive specimens are considerably smaller, but large aquariums are still needed as any captive can reach at least 30cm/12”, possibly a lot more.
The Bridled burrfish (Chilomycterus antennatus) from the Western Atlantic is occasionally seen and it grows to some 30cm/12”. This species is readily identified, thanks to its prominent head-mounted 'horns'.
Also from the Western Atlantic and reaching a similar size is the Striped burrfish (C. shoepfi) with its distinctive wavy markings enhancing a very attractive species.
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Puffers species list :
Most species of Puffers reach approximately eight inches in length with the exception of the Canthigaster Puffers, which reach an average size of only three inches. Puffers are relatively hardy and adapt well to captivity if provided with swimming room, a varied meaty diet, and a few hiding places.
1-Saddle Valentini Puffer
Canthigaster valentini
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaii, Indonesia, Sumatra
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Saddle Valentini Puffer, also known as the Black Saddle Pufferfish, Blacksaddled Toby, Valentini Toby, or Saddled Toby. Members of the Canthigaster genus are called Sharp-nosed Puffers or Tobies. The Saddle Valentini Puffer is a bright and colorful fish with dark brown bands across the midsection, brownish-orange spotting on the lower half, yellow fins, and blue striping running along the back. It lacks pelvic fins, but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about the aquarium.
A 30 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium is suitable. It may eat invertebrates found in a reef tank. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure.
Parts of its flesh are poisonous. It has the ability, when threatened or alarmed, to inflate its body to almost twice its normal size. It becomes alarmed when netted, therefore, use a container to transfer it.
The Saddle Valentini Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small; 1" to 2" Medium; 2" to 3" Large; 3" to 4"
2-Blue Spotted Puffer
Canthigaster solandri
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Black, Tan, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sumatra, Vanuatu
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Blue Spotted Puffer may also be called the Blue Dot Toby or Blue Dot Sharp-nosed Puffer. Members of theCanthigaster genus are called Sharp-nosed Puffers or Tobies. The Blue Spotted Puffer Canthigaster solandri and the Papuan Toby Puffer Canthigaster papua have very similar characteristics. The lack of orange coloration around the mouth of the Blue Spotted Puffer Canthigaster solandri distinguishes these two puffers. The Blue Spotted Puffer lacks pelvic fins, but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about the aquarium.
A 50 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium is suitable. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure. It may eat invertebrates found in a reef tank. It becomes alarmed when in a net, therefore, use a container to transfer it.
The diet of the Blue Spotted Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2" Medium: 2" - 3" Large: 3" - 4" Pair: 2" to 4"
3-Porcupine Puffer
Diodon holocanthus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Black, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Diodontidae
The Porcupine Puffer is also known as the Porcupinefish or Porcupine Pufferfish. It has spiny appendages which cover most of its body, which may vary from light gray to mottled tans, sometimes with dark spots. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure. The Porcupine Puffer lacks pelvic fins but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about.
A 180 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium with a good protein skimmer is a suitable home. It may be aggressive at times, nipping the fins of tank mates and leaving a circular hole as its mark. It will eat invertebrates found in a reef aquarium. It has the ability, when threatened or scared, to inflate its body to almost twice its normal size. Parts of its flesh are poisonous if digested.
The Porcupine Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Small/Medium: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 5"
4-Arothron Dog Face Puffer
Arothron nigropunctatus
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 1"
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Solomon Islands
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Arothron Dog Face Puffer, also known as the Blackspotted Puffer, gets its name from its resemblance to canines. It changes appearance during different stages of life. While in the gray phase, it is gray with black markings around the mouth, eyes, and dorsal fin. The pectoral fins have a yellow appearance. The half-yellow phase is denoted by a yellow underbelly and dark gray overcoat, while the face looks similar to the gray phase. It may also have black spots over the body, which may be gray or yellow. It very rarely changes phases while living in an aquarium.
The Arothron Dog Face Puffer lacks pelvic fins, but is very maneuverable, using its pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins. Instead of "teeth," it has a fused beak-like structure which it uses to crush prey.
A 100 gallon or larger, fish-only, carnivorous aquarium is suitable. The Arothron Dog Face Puffer makes a great addition to these tanks with its great personality and unusual appearance. It will eat invertebrates found in a reef tank. It tolerates other Puffers that are not more aggressive than itself. It is shy at first, and becomes alarmed when in a net, therefore, use a container to transfer it.
The Arothron Dog Face Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Small/Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"Medium: 3-1/2" to 5"; Large: 5" to 7"
5-Saddle Puffer
Canthigaster coronata
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Hawaii, Indonesia
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Saddle Puffer is also known as the Crowned Puffer, Crowned Toby, and Four Bar Pufferfish. Members of theCanthigaster genus are called Sharp-nosed Puffers or Tobies. The Saddle Puffer is light blue ventrally, and the darker dorsal portion is divided by light blue stripes. It lacks pelvic fins but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about the aquarium.
A 50 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium is suitable. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure. It may eat invertebrates found in a reef tank.
It has the ability, when threatened or alarmed, to inflate its body to almost twice its normal size. It becomes alarmed when netted, therefore, use a container to transfer it.
The Saddle Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/2" to 2 1/2", Medium 2 1/2" to 4", Large 4" to 5"
6-Spiny Box Puffer
Chilomycterus schoepfi
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Color Form: Black, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Diodontidae
The Spiny Box Puffer is also known as the Web Burrfish. It has a tan to yellow body with dark spots, and short, fixed spines which help protect it from larger, more aggressive fish. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is suitable, provided it is a fish-only tank with plenty of room for swimming. It is known to nip at slow-moving fish and long-finned fish, but is not aggressive with others in its own family. It will eat invertebrates found in a reef tank.
The Spiny Box Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Tiny: 1/2" to 1-1/2"; Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Small/Medium: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5"; Large: 5" to 6" Xlarge: 6" to 7"
7-Spotted Puffer
Canthigaster jactator
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Black, Tan, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaii
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Spotted Puffer is also called the White Spotted Sharpnose Puffer, or White Spot Hawaiian Puffer. Members of the Canthigaster genus are called Sharp-nosed Puffers or Tobies. It is a reddish brown with white spots. It lacks pelvic fins, but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about the aquarium.
A 50 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium is suitable. It may eat invertebrates found in a reef tank. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure which it uses to crush its prey.
Parts of its flesh are poisonous. It has the ability, when threatened or alarmed, to inflate its body to almost twice its normal size. It does get alarmed when in a net, therefore, use a container to transfer it.
The Spotted Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-3/4", Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-3/4", Large: 2-3/4" to 4"
8-Leopard Puffer
Canthigaster leoparda
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Brown, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Micronesia
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Leopard Toby Puffer is a deepwater reef species that is relatively new to the aquarium trade. This new Toby Puffer may be small, but it's big on color and personality. This exotic dynamo has both stripes on its anterior and spots along its sides, with touches of iridescent blue highlighting the eyes and tail.
Members of the Canthigaster genus are called Sharp-nosed Puffers or Tobies. It lacks pelvic fins, but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about the aquarium.
A 30 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium is suitable. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure. It may eat invertebrates found in a reef tank. It becomes alarmed when in a net, therefore, use a container to transfer it.
The Leopard Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including: squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever-growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3", Large: 3" to 4"
9-Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer
Canthigaster bennetti
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer is a lively fish adorned with a festive flurry of colorful spots and bars. Brilliant orange and turquoise spots and bars create a playful pattern as if confetti and streamers were scattered across a field. Beneath this colorful pattern is a body color divided by a stormy, olive gray dorsal half and a pearly white ventral half. The overall effect is an energetic coloration that suits the inquisitive and personable Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer.
The Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer belongs to the genusCanthigaster whose members are commonly called Sharp-nosed Puffers or Tobies. As such, the Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer is also called Bennett's Toby, Roseband Sharpnose Puffer, Roseband Toby or Exquisite Toby. In the wild, the Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer inhabits open sand slopes and rubble zones located in reef flats and sheltered lagoons. This fact sheds new insight to the seemingly ornamental coloration and pattering of the Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer. The cryptic markings (spots and bars) and countershading (dark dorsal region paired with a light ventral region) conceal the Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer from potential predators (and prey) by disrupting its body shape. The ideal setup for the Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer is a 50 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium aquascaped with live rock and rubble with easy access to large open areas. The Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer may try to eat invertebrates that it can fit in its mouth, found in the aquarium using its fused beak-like teeth to crush open its prey.
The diet of the Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer should include a variety of meaty food and vegetable matter. Offer squid,krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"
10-Immaculatus Puffer
Arothron immaculatus
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Maldives
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Immaculatus Puffer captures the essence of the specialized nature of puffers. Classic and elegant in design, the Immaculatus Puffer has a large, pillowy body that is predominately milky white with neutral overtones of varying shades of tan and brown. Unexpected bursts of yellow highlight the large paddle-like caudal fin, mouth and eyes of the Immaculatus Puffer. This simple yet bold color combination gives the Immaculatus Puffer a sophisticated and exotic presence. In this sense, one may argue that the Immaculatus Puffer shares a striking resemblance to Cockatoos. It is reputed that the Immaculatus Puffer can alter from its blemish-free appearance to a blotchy, mottled appearance depending on its mood and circumstance. The Immaculatus Puffer is an exceptional fish sure to make an endearing addition for puffer enthusiasts or anyone wanting personality in their larger, fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock marine aquarium.
Members of genus Arothron, including the Immaculatus Puffer are sometimes called "Fat Puffers" and exemplify the typical puffer design. Though lacking pelvic fins and a hydrodynamic body shape, puffers are extremely maneuverable and are tenacious and capable predators. Like many "Fat Puffers," the Immaculatus Puffer displays an unusual degree of "intelligence" and "personality" and appear to quickly recognize their owners.
In the wild, the Immaculatus Puffer inhabits a wide range of habitats including mangrove swamps, sea grass beds and reef flats. The ideal setup should be an established aquarium 125 gallon or larger with good filtration and a protein skimmer. Aquascape liberally with live rock and other materials to create an environment rich with nooks and crannies, caves and overhangs while preserving easy access to large open areas. House with fish of similar size and temperament and be aware that the Immaculatus Puffer will eat invertebrates found in the aquarium using its fused beak-like teeth to crush open its prey.
The diet of the Immaculatus Puffer should include a variety of meaty food including squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"
11-Narrow-Lined Puffer
Arothron manilensis
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Brown, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Maldives
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Narrow-Lined Puffer captures the essence of the specialized nature of puffers. Classic and elegant in design, the Narrow-Lined Puffer has a large, pillowy body that is predominately milky tan with thin concentric banding from head to tail reminiscent of wood grain. Smoky black accents border its drooping paddle-like caudal fin, while the iridescent eyes are outlined by a caramel-gold ring. The Narrow-Lined Puffer is an exceptional fish sure to make an endearing addition for puffer enthusiasts or anyone wanting personality in their larger, fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock marine aquarium.
Members of genus Arothron, including the Narrow-Lined Puffer, are sometimes called "Fat Puffers" and exemplify the typical puffer design. Though lacking pelvic fins and a hydrodynamic body shape, puffers are extremely maneuverable and are tenacious and capable predators. Like many "Fat Puffers," the Narrow-Lined Puffer displays an unusual degree of "intelligence" and "personality" and appear to quickly recognize their owners.
In the wild, the Narrow-Lined Puffer inhabits a wide range of habitats including mangrove swamps, sea grass beds and reef flats. The ideal setup should be an established aquarium 125 gallons or larger with good filtration and a protein skimmer. Aquascape liberally with live rock and other materials to create an environment rich with nooks and crannies, caves and overhangs while preserving easy access to large open areas. House with fish of similar size and temperament and be aware that the Narrow-Lined Puffer will eat invertebrates found in the aquarium using its fused beak-like teeth to crush open its prey.
The diet of the Narrow-Lined Puffer should include a variety of meaty food including squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4-1/4"; Medium/Large: 4-1/4" to 5-1/4"; Large: 5-1/4" to 6-1/4"
12-Stars & Stripes Puffer
Arothron hispidus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 6"
Color Form: Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Stars & Stripes Puffer is an ornate puffer that requires very little imagination to see how it received its common name. The upper half of the Stars & Stripes Puffer is covered with white spots that appear, from a distance, like stars upon the greenish tan body coloration. The lower half of the body has horizontal stripes that complete the stars and stripes ensemble. Typical of Arothron puffers, the base of the pectoral fins is darker in coloration. The Stars & Stripes Puffer is sure to make an endearing addition for puffer enthusiasts or anyone wanting personality in their larger, fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock marine aquarium.
Members of the genus Arothron, including the Stars & Stripes Puffer, are sometimes called "Fat Puffers" or "Dogface Puffers" and exemplify the typical puffer design. Though lacking pelvic fins and a hydrodynamic body shape, puffers are extremely maneuverable and are tenacious and capable predators. Like many "Fat Puffers," the Stars & Stripes Puffer displays an unusual degree of "intelligence" and "personality" and appears to quickly recognize their owners.
In the wild, the Stars & Stripes Puffer inhabits a wide range of habitats including mangrove swamps, seagrass beds and reef flats. The ideal setup should be an established aquarium 180 gallon or larger with good filtration and a protein skimmer. Aquascape liberally with live rock and other materials to create an environment rich with nooks and crannies, caves, and overhangs while preserving easy access to large open areas. House with fish of similar size and temperament and be aware that the Stars & Stripes Puffer will eat invertebrates found in the aquarium using its fused beak-like teeth to crush open its prey.
The diet of the Stars & Stripes Puffer should include a variety of meaty food including squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-3/4"; Medium: 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Large: 5-1/4" to 6-1/4"
13-Reticulated Puffer
Arothron reticularis
Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 4"
Color Form: Brown, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka
Family: Tetraodontidae
The Reticulated Puffer is striking in appearance thanks to a wonderfully decorative reticulated (net-like) pattern. Its dark, mossy-brown body color beautifully shows off the intricate pattern to great effect. The attractive Reticulated Puffer is sure to make a great addition for puffer enthusiasts or anyone wanting personality in their larger, fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock marine aquarium. Featuring both spots and stripes, the Reticulated Puffer may be easily mistaken for the Stars & Stripes Puffer (Arothron hispidus). However, unlike the Stars & Stripes Puffer where the pattern of stripes and spots are delineated between the dorsal and ventral half, the pattern of stripes and spots on the Reticulated Puffer are divided between the anterior and posterior half. The front half of the Reticulated Puffer features a network of stripes while the back half is dotted with a flurry of spots. Typical of Arothron puffers, the base of the pectoral fins is darker in coloration.
Members of genus Arothron, including the Reticulated Puffer, are sometimes called "Fat Puffers" or "Dogface Puffers" exemplify the typical puffer design. Though lacking pelvic fins and a hydrodynamic body shape, puffers are extremely maneuverable and are tenacious and capable predators. Like many "Fat Puffers," the Reticulated Puffer displays an unusual degree of "intelligence" and "personality" and appears to quickly recognize their owners.
In the wild, the Reticulated Puffer inhabits a wide range of habitats including mangrove swamps, seagrass beds and reef flats. The ideal setup should be an established aquarium 150 gallon or larger with good filtration and a protein skimmer. Aquascape liberally with live rock and other materials to create an environment rich with nooks and crannies, caves and overhangs, while preserving easy access to large open areas. House with fish of similar size and temperament and be aware that the Reticulated Puffer will eat invertebrates found in the aquarium using its fused beak-like teeth to crush open its prey.
The diet of the Reticulated Puffer should include a variety of meaty food including squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-3/4"; Medium: 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Large: 5-1/4" to 6-1/4"
