Belly-striped Puffer
NameBelly-striped Puffer
Scientific NameArothron hispidus
Common NamesBelly-striped Puffer, Stars and Stripes Puffer, White-spotted Puffer, Broadbarred Puffer, Harlequin Puffer
FamilyTetraodontidae
OriginIndo-Pacific
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)180
Max Size (Inches)24
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-78
pH Range8.1-8.4
Compatible SpeciesLarge Tangs, Large Angelfish, Triggerfish (with caution), Groupers
Description
The Belly-striped Puffer is a large and robust saltwater pufferfish, recognized by its distinctive pattern of white spots and blotches over a brown or orange body, often with dark markings around its pectoral fins. This species is a predatory fish that requires a spacious aquarium and a varied diet of meaty foods, including hard-shelled invertebrates to maintain its beak-like teeth. It is generally semi-aggressive and not suitable for reef tanks due to its tendency to nip at corals and invertebrates.
