Midnight Dogface Puffer
Arothron cf nigropunctatus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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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 | Moderate |
|---|---|
| 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 Midnight Dogface Puffer (Arothron cf nigropunctatus) is a dark, “midnight” color morph of the dogface/blackspotted puffer, known for a rounded profile, a blunt snout, and expressive eyes. This Indo-Pacific pufferfish is often kept as a centerpiece “pet-like” fish in large fish-only saltwater aquariums.
What You’ll Observe:
- Patrols rockwork and open water, then settles onto a ledge or sand between active periods
- Watches activity outside the tank and learns the daily feeding routine
- Uses strong pectoral-fin “hovering” to maneuver tightly around caves and structures
- Becomes food-focused at mealtime and follows feeding tools closely
Provide open swimming space plus caves/overhangs, and run strong filtration to match a heavy, messy feeding style. Offer a varied meaty menu (shrimp, clam, squid, krill), and include hard-shelled items regularly to support natural beak wear. Use a feeding stick or tongs so your puffer can eat confidently while staying focused on the food.
Why does my dogface puffer “sit” on the sand or perch on rocks for long periods?
Many Arothron puffers alternate between short cruising sessions and longer rest/observe periods, especially after eating. In a spacious layout, this often looks like a calm “perch and patrol” routine.
Do midnight/black dogface puffers keep the same color as they grow?
Color and pattern can shift with age and mood, and some individuals lighten or show more spotting over time. Stable lighting and consistent diet help you see their most consistent coloration.
How do I keep the beak from getting overgrown without overcomplicating feeding?
Rotate in hard-shelled foods (like clams on the half shell or shell-on shrimp) on a regular schedule alongside softer meaty items. This supports natural chewing without needing special equipment.
Can a dogface puffer be safely hand-fed?
Some keepers do it, but many prefer tongs/feeding sticks for consistency and to keep fingers out of the feeding response zone. A clear routine (same tool, same spot) helps the fish stay focused.
What’s the best way to move a dogface puffer during transfers?
Use a container/cup rather than a net so it stays supported and calmer during the move. Slow, steady handling usually prevents frantic inflation.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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