More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 1500 litres / 396.26 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 31.0cm / 12.20inches |
| Reef Compatible | Not reef safe |
| Temperament | Mostly peaceful but might be aggressive towards similar species |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Narrow-Lined Puffer (Arothron manilensis) belongs to the Tetraodontidae family, known for their unique swimming style, interesting personality, and ability to puff up. In nature, these pufferfish blow water onto sand to find food, earning them the nickname "Blowfish." They are native to the Western Pacific, specifically found in regions from Borneo and the Philippines to Australia and Samoa.
Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable with care, Narrow-Lined Puffers are hardy but not reef-safe, posing a threat to many invertebrates such as shrimps, crabs, sea urchins, and snails. They demand a diet that helps grind their teeth, such as snails or mussels, as their teeth continue growing throughout their lifespan. Due to their high food requirements, a tank must be equipped to handle their needs, with a minimum tank size of 1500 liters recommended.
Care and Hardiness
Narrow-Lined Puffers are described as hardy and can live for many years under suitable conditions. Aquarists need to handle and transport these fish with care as certain species can release toxins into the water as a defense mechanism. They have a fun and interesting personality and may display spraying behavior, occasionally aiming water out of the tank.
Reef Suitability
Not considered reef-safe, these puffers are known to nibble at the fins of other fish and are best housed in tanks without delicate corals or invertebrates.
Aquarium Setup
For the aquarium setup, it is advisable to situate electrical equipment securely due to potential spraying behavior. Being mostly peaceful, though they may exhibit aggression towards similar species, providing hiding spots and ample swimming space is recommended.
Behaviour
Narrow-Lined Puffers typically exhibit a mostly peaceful temperament but can display aggression towards similar fish species. They may engage in playful and interesting behaviors, adding an entertaining aspect to the aquarium.
Feeding and Diet
Their diet primarily consists of larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, along with other invertebrates and small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. To prevent overgrown teeth, feeding them foods that help grind their teeth, such as clams, is vital.
Habitat and Distribution
Found in regions of the Western Pacific, from Borneo to Australia and Samoa, Narrow-Lined Puffers inhabit a variety of coastal areas. They thrive in marine environments with specific water conditions, including a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a salinity range of 1.020-1.025.