Striped Dogface Puffer

Also known as Banded Dogface Puffer, Striped Arothron Puffer

The Striped Dogface Puffer is an attractive variant or closely related species featuring distinctive vertical stripes or bands across the body combined with the characteristic dog-like face pattern. This intelligent, personable puffer shares the beloved personality traits of the standard Dogface while displaying unique banded coloration. Like all large puffers, it requires substantial space and becomes a highly interactive pet fish.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Arothron manilensis or A. nigropunctatus (banded variant)
• Common Names: Striped Dogface Puffer, Banded Dogface, Striped Arothron
• Adult Size: Up to 12-13 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful for size; very interactive
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; will consume invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons strongly preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate; requires large system

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 adequate territories.

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 predator.

Diet & Feeding

Striped Dogface Puffers are carnivores requiring hard foods.

Recommended foods include:

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

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, preventing feeding.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Best with other large, semi-aggressive fish
• Generally Peaceful: Relatively peaceful; may eat small fish
• Predatory: Will consume small tankmates
• Reef Safety: Will eat all invertebrates

Notes & Considerations

• Distinctive vertical stripes or bands across the body.
• Pattern variations: some heavily banded, others with subtle stripes.
• The face pattern resembles a friendly dog despite banding.
• Same beloved personality as standard Dogface Puffer.
• Extremely intelligent and interactive.
• Recognizes the owner within days.
• Begs enthusiastically at glass during feeding.
• Can be trained to hand-feed (use caution; powerful bite).
• Very curious and investigative.
• May rearrange decorations.
• Beak grows continuously; hard foods are mandatory.
• Can crush thick shells easily.
• Will eat small fish and all invertebrates.
• Not suitable for reef aquariums.
• Produces substantial waste; excellent filtration essential.
• Can release toxins when severely stressed.
• Can inflate the body when threatened.
• Inflation is stressful; never deliberately cause puffing.
• Hardy once established.
• May jump; secure lid essential.
• Long-lived with proper care.
• Requires substantial space.
• Pattern variation of Dogface or related species.
• Excellent centerpiece for large fish-only systems.

Why Choose a Quarantined Striped Dogface Puffer?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, properly acclimated puffer. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied foods including essential hard-shelled items for beak maintenance before sale. This provides the strongest foundation for long-term success with this attractive variant.