Guinea Fowl Pufferfish (Arothron meleagris)

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Guinea Fowl Pufferfish

Arothron meleagris5435.jpg
Dark Phase, puffed up

Arothron meleagris

681 Litres (180 US G.)

38.1-50.8cm (15-20 ")

pH

8.2 - 8.5

22.2-25.6°C (72 -78 °F)

8-12 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

5-8 years

Family

Tetraodontidae



Additional names

Guineafowl Puffer, Whitespotted Puffer, Golden Puffer, Spotted Puffer

Additional scientific names

Tetraodon meleagris, Arothron ophryas, Ovoides latifrons, Tetraodon lacrymatus


Tank compatibility[edit]

Not reef safe, will eat hard corals and invertebrates. Best in a large fish-only aquarium with similar sized peaceful yet robust fish.


Diet[edit]

This Puffer requires a varied diet of meaty foods including squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth. Without it, their teeth will fuse together and they will lose the ability to eat.


Feeding regime[edit]

Most active during the night and therefore is best fed after lights out.


Environment specifics[edit]

Requires a large wide tank with very secure live rock to provide hiding places. This messy eater requires very strong filtration to keep water quality optimal.


Behaviour[edit]

It will likely become alarmed and puff up when in a net, therefore, use a container to transfer it. It is a sluggish but maneuverable swimmer that is very intelligent, and will likely recognize you as a source of food.


Identification[edit]

A large and distinctive Puffer which changes appearance during different stages of its life. While in the black phase, it is black with white spots over the entire body. It's this colouration that gives it its common name as it resembles the colours of a Guinea Fowl bird. The golden phase is denoted by its rich burgundy to golden tan colouring with smaller white spots covering its body. It also has a yellow phase, during which, it is lacking the white spots. It very rarely changes phases while living in an aquarium.
The Golden Puffer lacks pelvic fins, but is very maneuverable, using its pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins. Instead of "teeth," it has a fused beak-like structure which it uses to crush prey.

Pictures[edit]

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