Stellate Puffer

Arothron stellatus can reach 120 cm in the wild and even in captivity commonly exceeds 60 cm, making it the largest commonly encountered Arothron species. It is covered in small black spots on a white-cream body, closely resembling juvenile White-spotted Puffers but growing to vastly greater proportions. Its huge size, powerful beak, and enormous waste output confine it to large public aquaria or the most dedicated specialist keepers with very large systems.

Water: 24–26°C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.020–1.025; industrial-scale filtration required for large adults. Tank: Minimum 2000 L for a single sub-adult; very large open swimming space with minimal obstructions. Feeding: Whole crabs, large clams, mussels, whole squid; feed 3–4 times weekly. Behaviour: Powerful and aggressive; a bite from a large specimen can cause serious injury. Compatibility: Solo species-only; public-aquarium-grade housing required for adult specimens.