Care Level: Moderate
Behavior: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Max. Size: Up to 12"
Diet: Carnivore
Dogface Puffer (Arothron nigropunctatus)
The Arothron Dog face Puffer, otherwise known as the Blackspotted Puffer, are named for their facial similarities to dogs. But unlike dogs, these fish do not have snouts. They have beak-like mouths for teeth. These specific puffers also vary in color. They range from blue-gray to brown with different amounts of black and yellow spots. The Arothron Dog face Puffer doesn’t have pelvic fins, forcing them to learn how to maneuver around with their pectoral, anal, and dorsal fins.
It is best to keep the Arothron Dog face Puffer in a 100 gallon fish-only tank or larger, with plenty of swimming room. These puffers are known for having charming personalities and can tolerate other fish who less aggressive than them. Puffer fish are known for puffing as a defense mechanism and can inflate twice their normal size when feeling scared or threatened. Keep in mind, these fish are not reef aquarium compatible and are known for eating invertebrates such as hard-shelled mollusks, sponges and corals.
Diet
The diet of the Arothron Dog face Puffer should include: krill, squid, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to soften their teeth.
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