Starry Puffer (Arothron stellatus)

Fish in the family Tetraodontidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameArothron stellatus

FamilyTetraodontidae

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size20 in

Minimum tank size150 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule1-2 times daily

Appearance

Starry puffers are stocky, round-bodied fish with tan to yellowish coloration covered densely with dark spots and stars, giving them a distinctive speckled appearance. They have small mouths, large eyes, and can inflate their bodies as a defense mechanism.

Diet and feeding

Feed meaty foods including fresh shrimp, squid, clams, and hard-shelled invertebrates like snails and crustaceans to help wear down continuously growing teeth. Offer food 1–2 times daily.

Difficulty and care for the Starry Puffer

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from East Africa and the Red Sea to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, in tropical and subtropical waters.

Log Starry 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 Starry Puffer alongside everything else in your reef.

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