Name: PUFFER - MAPPA / SCRIBBLED Arothron mappa
SKU: 11770
Availability: InStock

PUFFER – MAPPA / SCRIBBLED Arothron mappa

$224.99 – $249.99

The Mappa Puffer, also referred to as the Scribbled Puffer or Map Puffer, is found throughout the Indo-Pacific. This pufferfish has a very vivid and unique appearance compared to other members in the genera. The Mappa puffer’s coloration can vary from tan to yellow, with a darker maze-like pattern covering its body. Though shy in the beginning, the Mappa puffer will become more confident over time and may even appear to beg for food during feeding sessions. A Mappa 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. The Mappa puffer is typically sold at very small and cute sizes, but it should be recognized this puffer can be a commitment given its adult size potential at approximately 24″.

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Mappa Puffer, also referred to as the Scribbled Puffer or Map Puffer, is found throughout the Indo-Pacific. This pufferfish has a very vivid and unique appearance compared to other members in the genera. The Mappa puffer’s coloration can vary from tan to yellow, with a darker maze-like pattern covering its body. Though shy in the beginning, the Mappa puffer will become more confident over time and may even appear to beg for food during feeding sessions. A Mappa 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. The Mappa puffer is typically sold at very small and cute sizes, but it should be recognized this puffer can be a commitment given its adult size potential at approximately 24″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Mappa 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 small to medium sized Mappa 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. Mappa puffers may appreciate some large rock arches to take refuge at night, but need more open swimming and turning space. Given their nature, Mappa 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. Mappa 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 Mappa 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: Small: 2-1/2″ to 3-1/2″, Medium: 3-1/2″ to 5″; Large: 5″ to 7″; XLarge: 7″ to 10″

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

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge is automatically applied to your total. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to sign for the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via FedEx priority Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.