Manila Puffer

About this fish

The Manila Puffer is a saltwater pufferfish for the home aquarium (Arothron manilensis). It’s valued for its curious, interactive behavior and is typically kept in a fish-only setup where its habits can be managed safely. In practice, this species does well with established live rock for enrichment and offers a hands-on feeding routine using hard-shelled foods that help support healthy tooth wear.

Features:

• Puffers are curious and intelligent, and they often learn to recognize their keeper.
• Often best kept in a fish-only system, especially because puffer behavior can be unpredictable with other tank inhabitants.
• Live rock is recommended to provide structure and enrichment.
• Feed hard-shelled foods such as clams, snails, and krill to help keep the teeth worn down.
• It may eat crustaceans and snails, and may nip slower fish.
• Provide a quiet spot when it arrives and acclimate slowly to help it settle.
• Do not lift the puffer out of the water to force it to inflate.

Specifications:

• Scientific name: Arothron manilensis
• Category: Triggers & Puffers
• Recommended setup: Fish-only system with live rock
• Diet focus: Hard-shelled foods such as clams, snails, and krill
• Tank compatibility notes: May eat crustaceans/snails; may nip slow fish
• Arrival care: Acclimate slowly and place in a quiet settling area