Care
Green Spotted Pufferfish are best maintained in species-only brackish aquaria. The tank should be spacious and furnished with plenty of rockwork to create caves and visual barriers, whilst still maintaining ample swimming space for these active fish. A substrate of aragonite or crushed coral can be used to help maintain a stable alkaline pH. There is some debate as to whether this species is best maintained in fresh, brackish or marine water, and we believe that brackish conditions result in healthier, longer-lived Green Spotted Puffers. Always use marine salt (i.e. that intended for use in saltwater aquaria), test regularly with a hydrometer, and acclimatise the fish very slowly and carefully. If keeping more than one Green Spotted Pufferfish, ensure that all fish are of the same size and that they are introduced simultaneously "“ newcomers to an established group are not normally welcomed. Although pufferfish personalities are often very variable, in general Green Spotted Puffers are somewhat aggressive (becoming more belligerent as they mature), so do observe carefully. This species grows to a good size and requires a roomy tank; when confined to quarters that are too small, forceful biting will occur amongst the group. As with other puffer species, these fish can inflate when frightened or cornered. They should never be provoked into doing so, and never above water where they can take on air, which can prove fatal. If moving Green Spotted Puffer/s to larger quarters, the fish should be herded into a solid container under the water so as to remove the necessity of netting and lifting them clear of the water. Due to the messy feeding habits and sensitivity to organic pollutants, powerful filtration should be used and a regular maintenance regime carried out. High levels of oxygenation are advised.
Feeding
Small meaty frozen foods: Mysis shrimp, mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, chopped krill/prawns, cockle & mussel meat. Should be encouraged to "bite out" partially opened cockle-in-shell in order to help keep the beak in check. Larger specimens will enjoy feeding on crab legs, lobster, crayfish etc. Regular feeding of your own cultivated small aquatic snails (which will breed readily in a separate small tank) is also advised. Will not take dried foods.
Breeding
The spawning of this species in the home aquarium is rare. Following a courtship ritual, it is said that eggs are scattered over the substrate and decor, and subsequently guarded by the male. Once hatched, getting the fry to feed is extremely challenging.
