Dogface Puffer

Looks how to spot one

Round-bodied puffer with prickly skin that can inflate

A rounded body with a blunt, dog-like face and small prickles over the skin. The colour varies a lot, from grey or light brown to bluish or bright yellow, with dark patches around the eyes and mouth and scattered dark spots.21

Personality what they are like

Calm, gentle and known for interacting with the people who care for it. Wild adults are territorial and often solitary.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A relaxed swimmer that needs plenty of open space in a large tank.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Rated moderate care. Not reef-safe. Strong filtration and protein skimming help, and regular partial water changes keep water clean.3

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 125 US gallons (about 475 L). Saltwater at about 24 to 26 °C (76 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.024 to 1.026. Wild fish live on coastal and outer reef crests and slopes rich in invertebrates, down to about 60 m.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed hard-shelled foods such as clams and mussels plus frozen meaty marine foods. Juveniles eat daily, adults a few times a week. Wild fish eat coral tips, crustaceans, molluscs, sponges, tunicates and algae.31

Company who they like around

Usually solitary or in pairs in the wild. Keep one per aquarium.12

The story where it all began

Marcus Elieser Bloch and Johann Gottlob Schneider described the species in 1801. It is a familiar fish in public aquariums and in the marine aquarium hobby.21

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed 2011)1