Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Narrow Lined Puffer, also referred to as the Manila Puffer or Striped Puffer, is found throughout the Indo-Pacific. The Arothron genus has often been called the “Fat Puffers” for their typical round puffer design, and the Narrow lined puffer is no exception to this rule. A Narrow lined puffer has a grayish-white body with thin brown horizontal stripes that run the length of its body. Though shy in the beginning, the Narrow lined puffer will become more confident over time and may even appear to beg for food during feeding sessions. These pufferfish in general are observed to exhibit personality and intelligence. A Narrow lined 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 Narrow lined puffer is typically sold at very small and cute sizes, but it should be recognized that this puffer can be a commitment given its adult size potential at approximately 12″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Narrow lined 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 Narrow lined 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. Narrow lined puffers may appreciate some large rock arches to take refuge at night, but need more open swimming and turning space. Given their nature, Narrow lined puffers can be kept in an active peaceful to semi-aggressive aquarium or a more aggressive aquarium though avoid fish that will be tempted to nip at your puffer. It is best to take into consideration the size of the puffer at the time and choose tank mates accordingly. Puffers in turn should also not be kept with small fish or slower fish with decorative fins that they could pick at. Narrow lined 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 Narrow lined 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″ to 3″; Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4-3/4″; Large: 5″ to 6″

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