Dog Face Pufferfish
Snapshot: Balloon-like body, large expressive eyes, and a puckered mouth, these puppy-dog pals are downright irresistible. They have a cartoonish appeal that's impossible to ignore!
Other tidbits: Can grow up to 33cm or so. Native to the waters of the Indian Ocean and the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean including the Eastern Australian coast. This fish relies on its pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins for seamless navigation.
Bare bones must know: Live-rock fish-only system, or fish-only system. Top-notch filtration to cope with messy eating habits. Use a container, not a net, for transfer to prevent stress. Handle with extreme care, its defense mechanism, tetrodotoxin, is lethal. When threatened or when it dies, it releases a toxin deadly to other tank mates. Best kept in its own aquarium.
Aquarium set-up: For the perfect aquatic setup, opt for a larger carnivorous aquarium. The Dog Face Puffer is a standout in these tanks, with its personality and unique appearance. Deck out your tank with plenty of hiding spots to spare this puffer from toxic showdowns with aggressors. Maintain an aquatic utopia by nailing the basics: rock-solid water quality with top-notch filtration and routine partial water changes.
Feeding: To mimic their natural diet, serve up a medley of clams, mussels, and squid. And don't forget the hard-shelled seafood treats, like prawns! This diverse menu isn't just tasty; it's essential for maintaining their dental prowess. Crunch away those toothy troubles!
AQT note: All our fish feast on a diet of seaweed, marine pellets, flakes and frozen treats under our care. Keep the feast going in your tank!