Common name: Reticulate blowfish
General information
The Reticulated Pufferfish, Arothron reticularis, is a unique and charismatic species known for its distinctive net-like pattern. This pufferfish is part of the family Tetraodontidae, which is characterized by their ability to inflate their bodies as a defense mechanism against predators. The Reticulated Pufferfish is not as commonly kept as some other puffer species, but it can be a fascinating addition to a large marine aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 50 cm (1′8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, shrimp.
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at inverts, corals.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May show aggression if crowded.
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyPufferfishTetraodontidae
- GenusPufferfishArothron
- SpeciesReticulate blowfishArothron reticularis (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
- SynonymsTetraodon reticularis Bloch & Schneider, 1801Tetrodon reticularis Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Care
Arothron reticularis requires a spacious tank to accommodate its size, which can reach up to 22 inches in the wild, though they are typically smaller in captivity. They need plenty of swimming space and a well-filtered environment to thrive. These fish are not reef-safe as they have a tendency to nip at and consume various invertebrates and can inadvertently damage corals while foraging. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and clams is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Reticulated Pufferfish are solitary creatures and come together only to breed. Little is known about their breeding habits in the wild, and breeding them in captivity is extremely rare and not well-documented.
Habitat
The Reticulated Pufferfish is found in warm, tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically associated with coral reefs, where they can be seen swimming slowly or resting among the corals. They are known to inhabit depths ranging from shallow waters to areas deeper than most recreational diving limits.