Bandtail Puffer

Sphoeroides spengleri occurs in shallow seagrass beds, estuaries, and inshore coral areas from Massachusetts south through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. It is identified by a row of dark spots along the ventral midline and the characteristic spotted caudal band. Like other Sphoeroides, it requires cooler temperatures than tropical puffers and brackish-to-marine conditions.

Water: 18–26°C, pH 7.8–8.4, SG 1.015–1.025; temperate to subtropical marine conditions. Tank: Minimum 250 L; sandy substrate with seagrass-type planting and open swimming areas. Feeding: Clams, small crustaceans, mussels, and frozen marine invertebrates. Behaviour: Territorial and moderately aggressive; will attack slow or long-finned tankmates. Compatibility: Species-only or with robust temperate marine fish; no invertebrates.