Description
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 180 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 and will expand its body for protection, therefore, use a container to transfer it. The Panda Puffer needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth. Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 2-1/2″; Medium: 2-1/2″ to 4″; Large: 4″ to 6″ XLarge: 6″ to 8″