White-spotted Puffer (Arothron hispidus)

Arothron hispidus is a large and charismatic puffer fish with a grayish-green body covered in small white spots and a charming, wide-eyed facial expression. Among the most personable fish in the marine hobby, it is well known for recognising its keeper and actively begging for food. It requires a very large tank with no invertebrates, but rewards patient keepers with a rich, interactive relationship that few other fish can match.

Requires a minimum 500 L FOWLR tank — not reef safe with any invertebrates. Feed a varied diet of hard-shelled foods (clams, snails, shrimp) to manage constantly growing beak teeth, plus meaty frozen foods. Maintain temperature 22–27°C, SG 1.020–1.025. Keep alone or with only very large, robust tank mates. Performs best as a solo display specimen. Avoid copper medication as this is toxic to puffers.