Dog-faced Puffer (Arothron nigropunctatus) Care Guide
Arothron nigropunctatus, the dog-faced puffer, is a colour-variable Indo-Pacific puffer reaching about 33 cm; it is not reef-safe.
Overview
Arothron nigropunctatus, the dog-faced or blackspotted puffer, is a puffer of the family Tetraodontidae. It shows marked colour polymorphism, with background colours ranging from grey, light brown and bluish to bright or orangey yellow, overlaid with dark blotches of variable size. Like other puffers it is poisonous to eat.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Arothron
- Scientific name: Arothron nigropunctatus
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Micronesia and Samoa, north to southern Japan and south to New South Wales, at depths of 0-60 m. It occupies reef crests and slopes with rich invertebrate growth, occurring singly or as adult pairs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 800 L (211 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 8-20 years
Diet
The species is a carnivore. FishBase reports a diet of corals (usually Acropora tips), crustaceans, molluscs, sponges, tunicates and algae. In captivity it should receive meaty marine foods twice daily; hard-shelled prey helps wear down the continuously growing teeth.
Compatibility
It is diurnal, solitary and territorial, swimming in the middle of the water column with a semi-aggressive temperament. It is not reef-safe and will eat corals, ornamental shrimp, snails and crabs. Suitable companions are large, robust species; small fish should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is oviparous (egg-laying). Captive breeding is considered very difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011).