The Golden Puffer (Arothron meleagris), also known as the Guinea Fowl Puffer or Golden Pufferfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Tetraodontidae. It was first formally described in 1822 by Edward Turner Bennett. The specific name meleagris means "guinea fowl" in reference to the spotted pattern resembling a guinea fowl.

Distribution and Habitat

The Golden Puffer is found in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and French Polynesia, north to southern Japan and south to northern Australia. It inhabits coral reefs and rocky substrates at depths from 1 to 50 meters. It is typically found on outer reef slopes and in lagoons.

Physical Description

The Golden Puffer reaches a maximum total length of 40 cm (15.7 in). The body is robust and oval-shaped. The coloration exists in two distinct color phases: a golden-yellow phase and a black phase with white spots. The golden phase is bright yellow to golden-orange overall. The skin is thick and leathery with small spines. The eyes are large and positioned high on the head. The mouth is terminal with four large teeth fused into beak-like dental plates.

Diet and Feeding

The Golden Puffer is a carnivorous predator that feeds on a variety of invertebrates including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms. It uses its powerful beak to crush hard-shelled prey. In the aquarium it accepts a variety of meaty foods including frozen shrimp, clams, squid, and hard-shelled foods to help wear down its continuously growing teeth.

Behavior and Reproduction

This species is generally solitary. It is a slow-moving fish that can inflate with water as a defense mechanism. It is generally peaceful toward larger tankmates but may nip at the fins of other fish. Reproduction involves pelagic spawning.

Aquarium Care

The Golden Puffer requires a tank of at least 150 gallons with plenty of swimming space and live rock. It is generally not reef-safe as it will eat corals and invertebrates. It should be kept with larger peaceful fish. Its teeth grow continuously and require hard-shelled foods to prevent overgrowth. Water temperature should be maintained between 72-82 F (22-28 C) with pH 8.1-8.4 and dKH 8-12.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.