The Stars & Stripes Puffer (Arothron hispidus), also known as the White-spotted Puffer or Stars-and-Stripes Puffer, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Tetraodontidae. It was first formally described in 1801 by Marcus Bloch. The specific name hispidus means "bristly" in reference to the small spines on the skin.

Distribution and Habitat

The Stars & Stripes 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 also occurs in the eastern Pacific from Mexico to Ecuador. It inhabits coral reefs, rocky substrates, and seagrass beds at depths from 1 to 50 meters. It is typically found on reef flats and in shallow lagoons.

Physical Description

The Stars & Stripes Puffer reaches a maximum total length of 50 cm (19.7 in). The body is robust and oval-shaped. The coloration is grey to brown with numerous white spots on the upper body and dark stripes radiating from the eye, giving it the "stars and stripes" appearance. The belly is lighter. 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 Stars & Stripes 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 Stars & Stripes Puffer requires a tank of at least 100 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.