The Spotted Puffer Fish or Canthigaster jactator is just one of the over 120 different species of Puffer Fish. Also known as the White Spotted Sharpnose Puffer and the White Spot Hawaiian Puffer, this fish has an almost reddish coloration with white spots all over its body. These fish are found in places like Hawaii, usually in pairs around corals and only grow to about 5" long. Strangely enough Spotted Puffers don't have any pelvic fins. They make up for this by using their pectoral fins to maneuver around its habitat. Like all other Puffer Fish the Spotted Puffer has the amazing ability to inflate its body to twice its regular size! This not only makes it appear bigger to potential predators, but also makes it harder to swallow whole if caught. Not to mention parts of this fish are poisonous. Use caution if handling! As if that weren't enough these fish actually have a built in sunscreen like mucus that protects them from the dangerous ultra violet rays of the sun.
The Spotted Puffer fish is often kept as a pet in an aquarium of at least 55 gallons. This salt water fish prefers the following water conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025. This fish is an omnivore that should be fed krill, clams, squid and even hard shelled shrimp to help keep its teeth from growing out of control! They are not considered to be extremely aggressive, but they will nip the fins of tank mates they don't like.
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