Scientific Name:
Arothron meleagris (Lacepede, 1798; also Bloch & Schneider, 1801)Other Common Names:
Guinea Fowl Puffer, Speckled Puffer, Speckled Balloon Fish, Golden Puffer, Fugu.Identification:
The body of this fish is brown above and brown to light brown below. Its body is marked with black mottlings and covered with many, small, white spots. Its body can also be that of a golden color, with the fins being that of a dark brown color covered with white spots. In either case, its fins are rounded at the edges and the body is scaleless.Distribution:
This species is found in many tropical waters, extending from Hawai'i southward to the Tuamato Islands, and westward across the entire tropical Pacific Ocean to the Philippine Islands and the East Indies.Diet:
This fish is an omnivore. Its eats a wide variety of marine life, but it feeds mainly on tips of branching corals and to a lesser extent on sponges, mollusks, bryozoans, tunicates, algae, crabs, shrimps, and detritus. In captivity it may not be quick to adjust to tank fed fares, because of its coral diet preference. However, once adjusted it may accept freshly chopped or frozen fares, such as shrimp, crab, squid and fish, and possibly herbivore fares. Of course, it is not suitable for reef tanks.Characteristics:
It has the ability to inflate by inhaling air or water. This is a protective defense that Puffers have which prevents them from being eaten by other fish. When it expands and inflates itself, a predator finds it difficult to swallow or get its mouth around the fish. When inflated, this Puffer's body has a soft prickly texture, which is harmless to the touch. This is a fairly docile Puffer, generally getting along with other fish, except of its own kind. Due to its toxic nature it is recommended for a fish-only community tank with other fish that have the same or similar traits. It is not suitable for a reef tank.Care Rating:
We give this fish a 3 STAR Fish Care Rating Level. Because of this Puffer's specialized dietary requirements it is not suggested for beginners, and as we said, it is best kept in a fish-only community tank with other fish that have the same or similar traits, due to its poisonous nature.This Puffer will grow to 14" in length.
