{"product_id":"stars-stripes-puffer-arothron-hispidus","title":"Stars \u0026 Stripes Puffer - Arothron hispidus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStars \u0026amp; Stripes Puffer (\u003cem\u003eArothron hispidus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Stars \u0026amp; Stripes Puffer is a large, charismatic marine fish renowned for its bold personality and distinctive spotted-and-striped pattern. Juveniles display dramatic black and white striping that gradually transitions into a cream to gray body covered with dark spots as they mature, giving rise to its common name. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this intelligent species quickly learns to recognize its keeper and often becomes one of the most interactive fish in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e300-gallon or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e aquarium is recommended for adult specimens, as this species can reach \u003cstrong\u003eup to 20 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e in length. Provide ample open swimming space along with sturdy live rock, caves, and overhangs for shelter. Rockwork should be securely positioned, as large puffers are powerful and may dislodge unsecured decorations while exploring. Excellent filtration and stable water quality are essential due to this species' heavy feeding habits and substantial waste production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColor, Personality, and Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJuveniles feature bold black and white stripes that gradually give way to a light tan, cream, or gray body covered in evenly spaced dark spots as they mature. Exceptionally intelligent, curious, and outgoing, the Stars \u0026amp; Stripes Puffer quickly becomes the centerpiece of the aquarium, often interacting with its keeper and begging for food. Hardy and long-lived when properly cared for, this species is an outstanding choice for experienced aquarists with appropriately sized systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOffer a varied diet of shrimp, squid, clam, mussels, krill, crab, and other meaty marine foods, supplemented with high-quality carnivore pellets. Hard-shelled foods should be fed regularly to naturally wear down the puffer's continuously growing teeth. Feed once daily or several smaller meals throughout the week while maintaining excellent water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTankmates and Behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Stars \u0026amp; Stripes Puffer is \u003cstrong\u003enot reef-safe\u003c\/strong\u003e and will readily consume snails, crabs, shrimp, clams, and other ornamental invertebrates. It may also nip at corals and sessile invertebrates and should not be trusted with small fish that can be swallowed. Best housed with other large, robust marine fishes in spacious fish-only systems, this puffer is generally less aggressive than many triggers but can become territorial as it matures.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Tiny (\u003c2\")","offer_id":52047983083818,"sku":"PUFFERxStarT","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":49117688693034,"sku":"PUFFERxStarS","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM (2.6-3.5\")","offer_id":50722884223274,"sku":"PUFFERxStarSM","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (3.6-4.5\")","offer_id":49117688627498,"sku":"PUFFERxStarM","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":52047983116586,"sku":"PUFFERxStarML","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":49117688660266,"sku":"PUFFERxStarL","price":194.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":52047983149354,"sku":"PUFFERxStarX","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XX (7.6-8.5\")","offer_id":52047983182122,"sku":"PUFFERxStarXX","price":359.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SHOW (8.6-10.5\")","offer_id":50073732776234,"sku":"PUFFERxStarSH","price":539.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-stars-stripes-puffer-arothron-hispidus-1247970723.png?v=1783372990","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/stars-stripes-puffer-arothron-hispidus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}