Reticulated Puffer

Reticulated Puffer is stunning in its appearance due to its decorative and reticulated (net-like) design. The dark, mossy brown body color is stunning and showcases the intricate pattern to a stunning effect. The attractive Reticulated Puffer is sure to make a great addition for puffer enthusiasts or anyone wanting personality in their larger, fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock marine aquarium. It features stripes and spots as well as spots The Reticulated Puffer may be easily confused with the Stars and Stripes Puffer (Arothron hispidus). However, in contrast to those of the Stars & Stripes Puffer where the patterns of spots and stripes are separated between the ventral and dorsal half The pattern of spots and stripes of the Reticulated Puffer is divided into the anterior and posterior halves. The front portion of Reticulated Puffer features a network of stripes while the rear portion is filled with lots of spots. As is typical for Arothron puffers, it is noted that the bottom of pectoral fins is darker in color. The members of the genus Arothron which includes the Reticulated Puff, are often referred to as "Fat Puffers" or "Dogface Puffers" are a good example of the standard puffer shape. While they do not have pelvic fins or a hydrodynamic body shape puffers can be extremely agile and can be tenacious and formidable predators. Similar to many "Fat Puffers" the Reticulated exhibits an extraordinary amount in "intelligence" as well as "personality" and is able to quickly recognize their owner. In the wild, the Reticulated Puffer is found in a broad variety of habitats such as mangrove swamps seagrass beds, reef flats. The ideal set-up is an existing aquarium of 150 gallons or greater with good filtering and a protein skimmer. Aquascape extensively with live rock and other substances to create an ecosystem with nooks and crannies overhangs and caves, and still allow easy access to wide-open areas. Place your fish in a home with similar size and temperament tank mates. Be conscious that Reticulated Puffer can consume invertebrates inside the aquarium with its beak-like teeth that are fused to crush open its prey. A diet for the Reticulated Puffer must include diverse meaty meals such as squid, krill the clams, and hard-shelled shrimp in order to wear down their teeth that are constantly growing. Approximate Size of Purchase: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-3/4"; Medium: 3-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Large: 5-1/4" to 6-1/4"