Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Dogface Puffer, also referred to as the Blackspotted Puffer or Arothron Puffer, is found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Given the name “Dogface” not only for the way it looks, but because of its behavior. Though shy in the beginning, the Dogface puffer will become bold and eventually appear as though it is begging for food much like a dog asking for table scraps. Typical Dogface puffer coloration is dark grey dorsally and light grey ventrally. Individuals vary considerably in the amount of, size and coloration of spots across their bodies. In some cases, Dogface puffers may even have a splash of yellow on their belly (ventrally). A Dogface puffer will inflate to over two times its original size if under stress, or felt threatened by a tank-mate, into a sphere shape. Do not purposely entice this behavior, as it can have adverse health effects and in some circumstances, cause death to your puffer. After drip acclimation in a bucket, it is imperative to transfer your puffer in a tupperware container with water to the main aquarium. If transferred with a net, the puffer will likely inflate out of the water in fear, allowing it to suck in air which is much more difficult for it to expel. Dogface puffers make a great addition for the dedicated aquarist with a large fish only with live rock aquarium. An adult Dogface puffer can reach an approximate size of 12″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Dogface puffers are carnivorous. A diet consisting of various meaty frozen foods is necessary and options will depend on the size of the individual. Some examples include brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, and krill to maintain optimal health and color. Hard-shelled shrimp and clams with shells are also highly encouraged to feed from time to time in order to keep their fused teeth (i.e., beak) worn down. An overgrown beak will cause complications and have consequences.

Care Requirements: A minimum 125 gallon aquarium is required for medium sized Dogface puffers. Larger individuals will need an aquarium greater than 200 gallons. Additionally, aquariums that house large species of pufferfish should be equipped with a protein skimmer and above average filtration because of their bioload capacity. Dogface puffers may appreciate some large rock arches to take refuge at night, but need more open swimming and turning space. Given their nature, Dogface puffers can be kept in an active peaceful to semi-aggressive aquarium or a more aggressive aquarium. It is best to take into consideration the size of the puffer at the time and choose tank-mates accordingly. Puffers should not be kept with small fish or slower fish with decorative fins that they could nip at. Dogface puffers do not make good reef aquarium inhabitants because of how messy they can be, but they will also nip at corals and eat invertebrates including crabs, urchins, starfish and shrimp. Keeping more than one Dogface pufferfish in an aquarium is typically discouraged as they will quarrel. They are known to be kept with other pufferfish species successfully, but we suggest attempting this at smaller sizes only. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: XSmall: 1-1/4″ to 2-1/4″; Small: 2-1/2″ to 3-1/2″; Medium: 3-3/4″ to 4-3/4″; Large: 5″ to 6-3/4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.