Starry Puffer (Arothron stellatus) Care Guide
Arothron stellatus is the largest puffer, reaching up to 120 cm; this Indo-Pacific species is not reef-safe and is poisonous to eat.
Overview
Arothron stellatus, the starry puffer, is a puffer of the family Tetraodontidae and is considered the largest pufferfish species. Its pale body is covered in fine black spots resembling stars. FishBase reports a maximum total length of 120 cm, so it requires an exceptionally large system. It contains tetrodotoxin and is poisonous to eat.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Arothron
- Scientific name: Arothron stellatus
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa through Indonesia to the Tuamotus, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island, at depths of 3-58 m. Juveniles inhabit sandy, weedy inner reefs or estuarine muddy substrates, while adults occupy clear lagoons and seaward reefs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L (528 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 feeding on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, including sponges, coral polyps (notably Acropora), crustaceans and molluscs. FishBase assigns it a trophic level of about 3.7. In captivity it should receive meaty marine foods twice daily, including hard-shelled prey.
Compatibility
It is diurnal, mainly 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), with widely dispersing pelagic larvae. Captive breeding is considered very difficult.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2011).