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The Panda Puffer, also known as the Masked Pufferfish, has black patches around both eyes. It lacks pelvic fins, but has learned to use the pectoral fins to move about the aquarium. It has the ability, when threatened or alarmed, to inflate its body to almost twice its normal size. While "puffed up," its spines are held straight out from the body to discourage others from trying to eat it. Parts of the flesh are poisonous if digested. Its teeth are actually a fused beak-like structure.
A 100 gallon or larger, fish-only aquarium with a good protein skimmer is suitable. It will eat invertebrates found in a reef tank. It does become alarmed when in a net, therefore, use a container to transfer it.
The Panda Puffer diet needs a varied diet of meaty foods including squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth. It hunts at night, so it may only be seen during the nocturnal hours.
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Name: Panda Puffer (Arothron diadematus)
Family: Tetraodontidae Range: Red Sea Size: Up to 12 inches Diet: Carnivore Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants Reef Compatible: No Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4 Minimum Tank Capacity: 100 gallon Light: High Temperament: Semi-aggressive Swimming Level: No specific level Care Level: Moderate Reproduction: Egg Scatterer |
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