The Puffer Forum

Wow. Very nice! I am impressed, he has wonderful colors.

schlecht13 wrote:I have had my eye on this one for a long time - He/She (how do you sex puffers without dissection?)

you can't

whata corker, that is one gorgeous puffer

Well again thanks to all...He is doing fantastic - something new to me - specific to this particular species/variant is during feeding time - needless to say, all of the puffers go nuts and grab everything they can....I have noticed that the "dalmation puffer" (we'll call him for now has sudden appearances of white spots when he is too closely approached by the other puffers when they go after the same piece of shrimp/food. Rather than puffing up - he has an "immediate" case of ick - of course I know its not - but its very interesting to watch - for example the spots appear - literally within seconds and slowly fade over the course of 30 or so seconds....has anyone else witnessed this immediate change? There was one time (yesterday) that the stellatus and he fought over a piece of fish and the dalmation turned almost completely white! Then within a minute or so..back to black. My research lies mainly with A. Mappa and A. Stellatus so this is new...anyone else care to chime in - feel free! Another thing I wanted to mention - I have been reading and several "experienced" aquarists (I only put that in quotes b/c I don't know them personally) have indicated that the "Dalmation puffer" is simply the "pre-color" of an A. Meleagris getting ready to turn gold...most seem to agree that he is simply a black variant of A. Nigropunctatus....what are your thoughts on this fellow puffer lovers?

probably a partial puff, where the spines are showing.

I have noticed this "spotting" with my A. Hispidus as well. I think it is normal defensive behavior nothing to be worried about. As for the A. Nigropunctatus I believe he is what he is. Meleagris usually goes from the "spotted" stage into the "golden" stage without a black phase like yours. As exciting as it would be to have the Holy Grail of puffers I think you just have a very beautiful Nigropunctatus.
Corvus can most likely give more detailed information on this.

Nice puffer!

He/she is a beauty. Will have to give me some pointers on them as you learn along the way. I understand that they are not quite as hardy as the more common spotted dogface. I am anxiously awaiting the arrive of mine which just landing today from the Solomon islands ( have been told it has a lot of white on it).. Should be here by tomorrow it has been along wait for me (have been pufferless for the last 8 months). Good luck with yours, such a beautiful pet.