Midnight Arothron Puffer

lg 80710 midnight puffer
Latin name: (Arothron sp.)

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Color(s)

Black

Diet

Carnivore

Preferred Conditions

Moderate

Avg. Max Size

1' 1"

Minimum Tank Size

100 gallons

Family

Tetraodontidae

The Midnight Arothron Puffer is a magnificent fish, boasting a sleek midnight black colouring. Its lack of pelvic fins is compensated by its ability to use its pectoral fins to move around the aquarium. When threatened or alarmed, it has the remarkable ability to inflate its body to almost twice its original size, while its spines are held straight out from the body to deter predators. Furthermore, parts of the flesh are poisonous if ingested and its teeth are fused together in a beak-like structure. These features make it an interesting and unusual addition to any aquarium. Additionally, the Midnight Arothron Puffer is a hardy fish that is relatively easy to care for, so it is ideal for novice fish keepers.

A 100 gallon fish-only aquarium with a good protein skimmer is the ideal environment for this species. It is important to note that this species feeds on invertebrates typically found in a reef tank, so extra care must be taken when introducing other species. Additionally, this species will inflate itself when alarmed, such as when being netted, so it is important to use a container to transfer it safely. With these considerations in mind, the species can be kept in an aquarium environment with relative ease.

The Midnight Arothron Pufferfish needs a varied diet to help wear down their teeth. Squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp are all good sources of meaty foods.

Gill's Fish
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