Black-spotted Puffer

Arothron nigropunctatus is found throughout the Indo-Pacific on coral reefs and sandy flats, where it forages on coral polyps, sponges, and hard invertebrates. Colour variants range from grey-blue with black spots to yellow-and-black forms. It is one of the most frequently encountered large puffers in the marine aquarium trade and adapts reasonably well to captivity in large fish-only systems.

Water: 24–26°C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.020–1.025; high-quality filtration essential for a messy feeder. Tank: Minimum 500 L; open sandy substrate, large robust decor, and strong flow. Feeding: Clams, mussels, cockles, squid, and frozen marine invertebrates. Behaviour: Active and inquisitive; moderately aggressive — will nip and destroy corals and invertebrates. Compatibility: FOWLR only; can be kept with large robust fish; absolutely incompatible with reef systems.