Tropical Fish Species

Puffer Fish

Puffer Fish - Canthigaster Papua picture

Puffers are comical looking fish, especially when they are “puffed up” and look like a ball with fins. By rapidly swallowing water or air, they are able to expand their bodies up to 3 times their normal size in order to deter predators. Many species also have spines covering their body as added protection. Although most Puffers are not very colorful, they make up for it with their character and personality.

When kept in an aquarium, Puffers quickly adapt and recognize their owners and will always be “begging” for a meal. Puffers come from warmer ocean waters around the world where they feed mainly on crustaceans and mollusks. They have specialized teeth and powerful jaws that allow them to crush the hard shells of their prey.

Puffers vary in size – the smaller species only growing to 3 inches and the largest reaching over 2 feet in length.

Puffers are generally hardy and do best in large tanks with lots of swimming space and some rocky décor for shelter. Larger species definitely require an efficient filtration system along with frequent water changes to deal with the large amounts of food consumed and waste produced.

Puffers will eat all types of food and should be fed a variety of meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, clams, etc., along with a supplement of vegetable fare to provide necessary nutrients. It is also important to provide hard shelled crabs, mussels, and shellfish in their diet to wear down their teeth and prevent them from overgrowing.

Puffers are semi-aggressive and should be kept one per tank. They will eat smaller fishes and should not be housed with any delicate slow-moving species. Always remember to exercise caution when you put your hands in the aquarium - Puffers can deliver a nasty bite!

Puffers are very difficult to breed in captivity and there are no external differences between the sexes.

TankConditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12

Compatibility: Foxface and rabbitfish, squirrelfish, tangs and surgeons, live rock, sand.