Saturday, December 15, 2012

Arothron Puffer Fish


The Arothron Puffer is a fish of many names including Spotted Puffer, Guinea Fowl Puffer, and Golden Puffer. It changes appearance during different stages of its life. While in the black phase, it is deep blue to black with white spots over the entire body. There is a mottled phase in which the body is patches of yellow and patches of the black and white speckled pattern. The third phase, called the Golden Puffer is yellow. It very rarely changes phases while living in an aquarium.

The Arothron 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 125 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium is suitable. It will eat invertebrates found in a reef tank. It becomes alarmed when in a net, therefore, use a container to transfer it.

The Arothron 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: 2" to 3 1/2"; Medium: 3 1/2" to 5"; Large: 5" to 7" X Large: 7" to 9" XX Large: 9" to 11" 

Learn more about this and other cute puffer fish in the Saltwater Puffer Fish section of our site!

No comments:

Post a Comment