The Most Puffed Up Personality
The Dogface Puffer, (Arothron nigropunctatus) also commonly known as the Black Spot Puffer can get to about a foot long. They come in a variety of colors, but a dappled light gray is the most common, with yellow specimens being found occasionally. Both display the black spots on their body as described by their name “nigropunctatus” meaning “black spots”.
Dogface puffers are common and widespread, ranging from the East coast of Africa, all the way across the Pacific Ocean! They favor invertebrate rich areas, as this is what they feed on. Mostly shallow reef associated, in areas of coral growth but not too much flow as they are not the strongest of swimmers. Adults are solitary animals, but rarely you will see pairs offered for sale.
Dogface puffers are a relatively large growing fish and while a foot long would be an exceptional animal, it is still best that their aquarium be glass, to prevent their large teeth from leaving scratches on the acrylic, and to have a minimum footprint of four feet in length, and two feet in width. They are incredibly curious and will explore every inch of a any aquarium you house them in. Their environment should provide them with caves or ledges to hide in and perch on. You will notice your puffer taking “naps” in these locations, sometimes just appearing to rest for a moment. While the coral reef is their natural habitat – they may eat coral in captivity, and will definitely consume small invertebrates such as young clams, snails, shrimps and anything else they can get their teeth into with gusto and exuberance!
If one word could be used to describe dogface puffers it might be “voracious”. They will eat just about anything and can be easily trained to eat from your hand! (Because of the powerful nature of their jaws and the incredible sharpness of their teeth, we don't actually recommend this though.) They will appreciate a mixed offering of whole meaty foods such as clams, shrimp etc. Allowing them items where they have to break through shells is messy, and will require a strong filtration system with a good water change schedule, but is absolutely necessary since their teeth never stop growing and need to be worn down on such food items. Including other fish such as wrasses can be of assistance in consuming the little scraps left behind these messy eaters. They also like to eat algae and sponge, so supplementing with an algae or sponge based food is a great idea.
The dogface puffer has not been bred in captivity. Very little is known about their breeding process, but pairs do form in the wild on reefs. They are nest builders and the pair will defend the nest after laying the eggs. Eggs are reported to have been laid in captivity with well conditioned fish in larger aquariums. Spawning them is possible, but be aware that all other fish in the tank are likely to suffer the wrath of a female defending her eggs once she releases eggs, whether a male is present or not.
The Dogface puffer is a hardy, voracious fish and is possibly the most “personable” fish you can keep in an aquarium. You will feel like you have bought a little puppy, without any of the chewed shoes or accident clean up. If you have a large enough aquarium, ask your local fish store for a sustainably sourced Dogface Puffer from Quality Marine today!