Guineafowl Puffer (Arothron mappa)
Fish in the family Tetraodontidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Guineafowl Puffer has a robust, rounded body with tan to olive-brown coloration covered in distinctive dark spots or blotches, resembling guinea fowl plumage. It possesses a small mouth, prominent eyes, and the ability to inflate itself when threatened. Maximum size typically reaches 20 inches.
Diet and feeding
Feed hard-shelled mollusks and crustaceans such as clams, mussels, snails, and shrimp. These foods help wear down the continuously growing beak. Supplement with quality marine preparations designed for puffers. Avoid soft foods that do not exercise the beak.
Difficulty and care for the Guineafowl Puffer
Moderate - Guineafowl Puffer requires standard marine aquarium maintenance and intermediate fish keeping skills.
Common health issues
Overgrown beak (if diet lacks hard-shelled foods), intestinal parasites, ich, stress-related toxin release
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea through Southeast Asia to the Great Barrier Reef and Fiji. Found in coastal reefs and estuaries in tropical waters.
Log Guineafowl Puffer in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Guineafowl Puffer alongside everything else in your reef.
Related Fish
