Overview
- Widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, inhabiting coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and coastal waters.
- Easily identified by its large, elongated body covered in small white spots against a grayish or brownish background.
- One of the largest pufferfish species, requiring a spacious aquarium due to its size and swimming habits.
- Has the ability to inflate when threatened, making it a formidable species in the wild.
- Highly intelligent and interactive, often developing strong recognition of its caretakers.
Feeding
- Carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, coral, and small fish in the wild.
- Readily consumes frozen shrimp, squid, clams, and high-quality marine pellets.
- Hard-shelled foods such as snails and crabs are essential to prevent overgrown teeth.
- Multiple feedings per day are recommended to support its large appetite and active metabolism.
- A well-balanced diet enhances natural coloration and helps maintain overall health.
Habitat
- Typically found in coral reef environments, sandy bottoms, and seagrass beds.
- Prefers stable water conditions with moderate water movement.
- Aquariums should include live rock formations, caves, and sandy substrate to encourage natural behaviors.
- Thrives in well-established marine tanks with ample swimming space.
- Providing a structured environment with hiding areas reduces stress and enhances comfort.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) to support a strong immune system.
- Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
- Requires high-performance filtration to handle large amounts of waste efficiently.
- Regular water changes and careful monitoring are essential for maintaining stable water quality.
- Providing a calm, stress-free environment minimizes the risk of health issues and promotes longevity.
Compatibility
- Semi-aggressive; best housed with large, robust fish that can tolerate its presence.
- Compatible with tangs, larger angelfish, and certain wrasse species.
- Not suitable for reef tanks, as it may consume coral and small invertebrates.
- Should not be kept with small, delicate fish that may become targets of aggression.
- A well-structured tank setup with defined territories minimizes potential conflicts.
Aquarium Behavior
- Highly curious and intelligent, often exploring its environment and interacting with objects.
- Uses its powerful beak-like teeth to crush shells and scrape algae from surfaces.
- Capable of inflating when feeling threatened, though this should not be intentionally triggered.
- Providing an enriched habitat with hiding spaces and open swimming areas supports natural behaviors.
- Over time, it becomes highly interactive, recognizing caretakers and responding to feeding routines.