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blackspotted puffer

✓ Arothron nigropunctatus
Family Tetraodontidae
Genus Arothron
IUCN category (World) LC
Arothron nigropunctatus Arothron nigropunctatus
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Introduction

Descriptor : Bloch & Schneider, 1801

Arothron nigropunctatus, known as blackspotted puffer, is a widely distributed tetraodontid in the Indo-Pacific, from the coasts of East Africa to Polynesia and Japan. It is replaced by A. diadematus in the Red Sea. This species is known for its great color variability, which sometimes leads to confusion with A. meleagris or A. mappa.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
    pufferfish
  • Average size
    25 cm
  • Maximum size
    33 cm
  • Longevity
    8 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Pattern
    ponctuations
  • Type
    pufferfish
  • Average size
    25 cm
  • Maximum size
    33 cm
  • Longevity
    8 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Pattern
    ponctuations

How to recognize This fish ?

This species belongs to the group of pufferfish. These fish are nicknamed like this because they have the ability to inflate themselves when they feel threatened.

To achieve this inflation, they swallow water and fill their stomach to more than double their volume. This is made possible by their stretchy skin. This subterfuge makes them look much more impressive to their predators. They are also much more complicated to swallow. This change in shape becomes a disadvantage for these fish that, once inflated, can hardly move.

The blackspotted puffer can reach 33 cm. Its stocky, scale-less body is covered with small cutaneous spines. The coloration is extremely variable: gray, black, yellow, with or without dark spots. This polymorphism sometimes makes identification difficult.

Sexual dimorphism

There is no marked sexual dimorphism in this species. The observed differences mainly concern individual variations in coloration, independent of sex.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous
  • Sociability
    solitary
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

Tetrodotoxin or TTX is a neurotoxin produced by bacteria. In this species, it is present in large quantities in the liver, viscera and gonads but is also found in the skin.

Females are more toxic than males, this is due to the high concentration of TTX in the ovaries.

When poisoned, TTX is fatal in more than 50% of cases. This neurotoxin acts on the pores of the sodium channels, which stops the passage of nerve impulses, resulting in partial or total paralysis. Death is most often due to respiratory paralysis triggering cardiac arrest by collapse.

A benthopelagic species, A. nigropunctatus lives on reef slopes and crests between 3 and 25 m deep. Adults are often seen alone or in pairs. It is a slow swimmer, using its mimicry to avoid predators. In danger, it can inflate its body by swallowing water. Its diet is omnivorous: it feeds on live corals, especially Acropora, but also on crustaceans, mollusks, sponges, tunicates, and algae.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert

Like other tetraodontids, A. nigropunctatus is oviparous. Eggs are deposited on the substrate and guarded by the parents until hatching. Few information is available about its reproduction cycle in the wild.

Harmless species

Like all pufferfish, Arothron nigropunctatus can accumulate powerful toxins (tetrodotoxin, saxitoxin) in its skin, gonads, and liver. These potentially deadly substances have no known antidote. Toxicity varies between individuals, seasons, and regions. Ingestion is therefore dangerous, even though the species is not aggressive.

Origin and distribution

Natural range
Invasive range
Mixed / unknown area

Geographic distribution & Conservation

The distribution covers the Indo-Pacific, from the coasts of East Africa and the Indian Ocean to the Samoan Islands and Micronesia, including Indonesia, the Great Barrier Reef, Japan, and Polynesia. It is generally found between 3 and 25 meters deep.

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC
France : LC

Where to see this species?

Aquarium de Lyon Oniria Planet Ocean Montpellier

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 24 °C
  • Depth
    0 - 0 m
  • Flow
    Medium and Slow

Biotope presentation

A. nigropunctatus frequents reef areas rich in invertebrates, from coastal ridges to outer slopes, usually between 3 and 25 meters deep.

Species of the same biotope

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    600 liters
  • Population min
    1
  • Temperature
    22 - 24 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    8.2 - 8.4

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    moderate
  • Robustness
    tolerant
  • Behaviour
    peaceful

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

The realization of a seawater aquarium requires certain knowledge beforehand. Seawater is generally synthetic, consisting of reverse osmosis water and synthetic salt at a level of 33g / liters. It is also possible to take seawater directly (after making sure that the water is not polluted). The operation of a seawater aquarium is done in three phases: the installation of a living stone decoration, the introduction of invertebrates one month later, and the introduction of fish 3 months later. It is essential to wait as long as possible before to introduce the animals so that the micro-fauna has had time to develop well. The balance and the physico-chemical stability are fundamental for the success of this type of tank.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for the blackspotted puffer

The blackspotted puffer is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 24 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.

The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.

Formal incompatibilities

Be careful, the blackspotted puffer is incompatible with molluscs, crustacean and corals.

Cohabitation & Environment

In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 600 liters.

The blackspotted puffer is a peaceful species that generally does not exhibit behavioral problems in a community aquarium.

Tips for feeding

The blackspotted puffer is omnivorous.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.

Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.

Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.

Reproduction protocol

  • egg-laying protection
    Yes

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

These animals might interest you

To go further

Species of the same family

Espèces du même genre

To read on the web

BioObs fishbase EOL

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Marine Kassel

Marine Kassel

Bibliographic references

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 12/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Aquarium de Lyon Oniria Planet Ocean Montpellier

Scientific partners

UICN France fishbase fishbase Worms BioObs

Tags

#Tetraodontidae

#Arothron

#barrière de corail

#lagon

#tombant

#pufferfish

#Great Barrier Reef

#Philippine Sea

#Sea of Japan

#Indonesian seas

#Bali

#Mauritius

#Réunion

#Lombok

#Maldives

#Nusa Penida

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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