Black Spotted Puffer

Arothron negropunctatus

The Blackspotted Puffer is found in Indo-Pacific waters. It can attain lengths of 13 inches and requires an aquarium capacity of at least 75 gallons.

It will accept a variety of seafoods, including chopped shrimp, squid, clams, krill, and fish. It also enjoys plant matter in its diet. This ravenous species should be fed at least 3 times a day. They may be shy eaters at first; however they quickly overcome their timidity if kept with docile tank mates.

This family of fish will decimate a reef tank and would be best kept in a fish only tank. They endear themselves to their owners with relative ease otherwise. They are typically not aggressive and can be kept with other non-aggressive members of puffers.

This species may be found in a variety of color patterns from brown to blue-gray, with variable spotting of yellow or black. Some individuals have been found with complete black, gold, or orange coloring. However, these specimens are infrequently encountered. All have the appearance of a puppy, and are dubbed "dog-faced puffers" in some regions.

View more pufferfish photos at Jeff's Dive Gallery.