Blackspotted Dogface Puffer
Arothron nigropunctatus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 4.5 - 5.5" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $368.99.$193.99Current price is: $193.99. | Email me | |
| Out of Stock | 2.75 - 3.75" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $161.99.$85.99Current price is: $85.99. | Email me | |
| Out of Stock | 3.75 - 4.5" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $245.99.$128.99Current price is: $128.99. | Email me | |
| Out of Stock | 1.75 - 2.75" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $132.99.$69.99Current price is: $69.99. | Email me |
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 120 gallons |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Blackspotted Dogface Puffer (Arothron nigropunctatus) is a thick-bodied Indo-Pacific puffer known for its dog-like snout and spotty patterning that can range from gray-brown to lighter morphs. It has a steady, “pet fish” presence in larger marine aquariums, often learning the feeding routine and approaching the front glass.
What You’ll Observe:
- Cruising on pectoral fins, then “perching” on rockwork between bouts of activity
- Following you along the glass, especially around feeding time
- Investigating crevices and ledges like a slow, deliberate hunter
- Noticeable shifts in activity—often more exploratory after lights-on and after settling in
- A strong, direct feeding response once it recognizes the routine
Provide open swimming space with sturdy rockwork and strong filtration to handle a meaty diet. Offer a varied menu (shrimp, clam, squid, krill) and include hard-shelled items regularly to help keep the beak worn down. When transferring, use a rigid container rather than a net to keep handling smooth.
FAQ:
Why does my dogface puffer “sit” on rocks instead of swimming all day?
Many keepers report a rest-and-cruise pattern: it will perch and watch, then do short exploring laps, especially around feeding and after the lights come on.
How do I keep the beak from getting overgrown without having to trim teeth?
Build in crunchy foods as part of the normal rotation (shell-on shrimp, clams/mussels) so the beak gets natural wear during feeding.
Does it recognize people or become interactive over time?
Owners commonly describe them as routine-driven and observant—often coming to the front when they see you and learning where food enters the tank.
Is it normal for it to “blow” water or jet sand?
Some hobbyists observe water-jetting as exploratory behavior, especially around sand and rock surfaces while searching for food.
Will it rearrange decor or bite equipment?
They investigate with the mouth and can be persistent “testers,” so stable rock placement and puffer-proofing loose items helps the tank stay orderly.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Recently viewed products
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.