Stars & Stripes Pufferfish

The Stars & Stripes Pufferfish (Arothron hispidus) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its unique pattern of white spots and stripes, expressive eyes, and charismatic personality.

Males typically display slightly bolder coloration and can grow marginally larger, while females/juveniles tend to have softer markings and remain smaller in comparison. They reach about 18–20 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 180 gallons.

Provide ample live rock for hiding and grazing, a sandy substrate, and open swimming space, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is essential since puffers can jump.

Diet should consist of hard-shelled foods such as clams, shrimp, crab legs, squid, krill, and occasional meaty marine pellets, which help wear down their continuously growing teeth.

With proper care, this fish makes a standout, intelligent, and interactive addition to a large marine aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.