Midnight Dogface (Dalmatian) Puffer

Also known as Dalmatian Dogface Puffer, Spotted Dogface Puffer

The Midnight Dogface (Dalmatian) Puffer is a striking color variant of the standard Dogface Puffer featuring a white to cream base color covered with dramatic black spots creating a Dalmatian dog appearance. This rare and highly sought-after morph combines the beloved personality of the Dogface Puffer with spectacular black and white coloration. Like the standard variety, this intelligent, personable puffer becomes a true pet fish and spectacular centerpiece.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Arothron nigropunctatus 
• Common Names: Dalmatian Dogface Puffer, Midnight Dogface Puffer, Spotted Dogface
• Adult Size: Up to 12-13 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful for a large puffer; highly interactive
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; will consume invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate; requires large system and proper diet

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires large tanks with substantial open swimming space and rockwork with caves. Strong water flow was appreciated. Secure all equipment and decorations. Provide territories if keeping with other large fish.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Excellent water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• High-capacity filtration system (heavy bioload)
• Large protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Secure, heavy lid
• Protected equipment

These maintain water quality for this large, messy predator.

Diet & Feeding

Midnight Dogface Puffers are carnivores with powerful continuously growing beaks.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen krill, squid, clams, mussels, scallops
• Hard-shelled foods: Snails, crabs, shrimp with shells (ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL)
• Variety: Chopped fish, octopus, crab meat, whole shrimp
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods regularly

Feeding Frequency: Once daily; large portions

Special Note: MUST have regular hard-shelled foods to wear down continuously growing beak. Without proper hard foods, beak overgrows and curves, preventing feeding. Offer snails, crabs, or hard-shelled prey several times weekly minimum.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Best with other large, semi-aggressive fish
• Generally Peaceful: Relatively peaceful for size; may eat very small fish
• Predatory: Will consume any fish small enough to swallow
• Reef Safety: Will eat all invertebrates; not reef compatible

Notes & Considerations

• Rare and spectacular color morph: Dramatically different from standard Dogface.
• White to cream base color covered with bold black spots.
• Creates striking Dalmatian dog appearance; highly sought after.
• Pattern varies individually in spot size and distribution.
• Commands premium prices due to rarity and beauty.
• Same beloved personality as standard Dogface Puffer.
• The face pattern still resembles a friendly puppy dog.
• Extremely intelligent and interactive: Recognizes owner immediately.
• Quickly learns the feeding schedule and begs enthusiastically.
• Often greets owners at glass; true “pet fish” personality.
• Can be trained to hand-feed with patience (use caution; powerful bite).
• Very curious and investigative; explores everything.
• May rearrange decorations and small rockwork.
• Beak grows continuously throughout life; hard foods are mandatory.
• Can crush thick snail shells and crab shells easily.
• Without proper diet, beak overgrows, requiring veterinary trimming.
• I will eat any fish small enough to fit in my mouth.
• Consumes all crustaceans: shrimp, crabs, hermit crabs, snails.
• Not suitable for reef aquariums under any circumstances.
• Produces substantial waste; excellent filtration essential.
• Creates ammonia spikes if overfed; water quality monitoring critical.
• Can release toxins (tetrodotoxin) when severely stressed.
• Toxin release is rare but potentially lethal to tankmates.
• Usually only occurs when fish are dying or extremely stressed.
• Handle gently during maintenance; minimize stress.
• Hardy once established; relatively disease-resistant.
• Susceptible to ich and marine velvet; can tolerate copper treatments.
• Can inflate the body with water or air when threatened.
• Inflation is stressful; never deliberately cause puffing.
• May jump when startled; secure lid essential.
• Long-lived; 10-15+ year commitment with proper care.
• Requires substantial space as it grows.
• Color morph of Indo-Pacific Dogface; same care requirements.
• Premium pricing reflects rare coloration.
• Excellent centerpiece fish for large fish-only systems.
• Highly prized by puffer enthusiasts and collectors.

Why Choose a Quarantined Midnight Dogface (Dalmatian) Puffer?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, properly acclimated rare puffer. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied foods including essential hard-shelled items for beak maintenance before sale. Given the premium price of this rare color morph, proper quarantine provides essential protection for your investment. This provides the strongest foundation for long-term success with this spectacular and beloved species.