Puffers
Dogface Puffer
Arothron nigropunctatus
A character fish with real personality — recognises keepers. Not reef safe: eats inverts and nips corals. Needs hard-shelled prey to trim its beak.
Difficulty
intermediate
Adult size
Up to 30 cm
Temperament
Semi-aggressive; inquisitive beak
Minimum tank
400+ litres
Diet
Carnivore — hard-shelled foods to wear the beak: shrimp, clams, snails
Lifespan
10+ years
Water parameters
- Temperature75–80°F
- Specific gravity1.024–1.026
- pH8.1–8.4
Species-specific requirements override general saltwater guidelines.
Natural habitat
Coral reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific
Care notes
Messy eater — strong filtration mandatory. Poisonous internally; never release to the wild.
Sourcing & ethics
We list only species that can be sourced responsibly. Availability in Nepal varies — confirm current stock before planning a build.
Occasionally imported; confirm size and tank readiness before ordering.
Compatibility
Good company
Keep with caution
“Caution” reflects likely aggression or predation — outcome depends on tank size, order of addition and individual temperament.