The Puffer Forum

Hey group I have had a Stars and Stripes for about 3 months now. I have a couple of questions. First, he seems to be going from black to tan. Is this normal or is he angry or throwing a tantrum? Next, he only seems to really come out when the lights are off and doesn’t seem to socialize right now at all. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Puffers are adept in camouflage. How heavily decorated is the tank? How big is the tank?

It’s not at all just live rock. It’s a 55 gallon the only other fish is a maroon clown. I may just be used to my old puffer being very social.

Common Name: Stars and Stripes Puffer

Distribution: Red Sea , East Africa, S-Japan, Hawaii, Asia, Micronesia, Gulf of California to Panama, Galapagos Islands.

Water Parameters: Temp: 23-26C (74-80F); pH 7.9-8.4.

Personality/Temperament: Rather gentle. Sometimes described as cowardly.

Activity: Sociable

Max. Size: 19 inches (50 cm)

Estimated Lifespan: ~10 years

Sexual Dimorphism: Unknown

Diet: Likely live and frozen foods (not fish), freeze-dried krill, frozen shrimp, squid, clams and other molluscs and crustaceans. Feeding and Diet article

Care: Not reef-safe. Arothron hispidus can be kept in brackish conditions when young, but should be offered marine conditions as an adult. Will eventually need a huge tank due to its size, 300+ gallon tanks are highly recommended.