
Arothron immaculatus
Family: Tetraodontidae ยท Pufferfish
Also known as: Immaculate Puffer, Yellow-eye Puffer, Plain Puffer
The Immaculatus Puffer is a large, understated pufferfish species that trades the dramatic patterns of its Arothron relatives for a clean, plain appearance. Its body is a uniform gray to tan-brown color, sometimes with a subtle greenish or olive tinge, and lacks the spots, stripes, or other markings that characterize most other pufferfish. The eyes are often ringed with yellow, giving rise to its alternate name Yellow-eye Puffer. This minimalist appearance has a certain elegance that appeals to aquarists who appreciate subtlety.
In the wild, the Immaculatus Puffer inhabits a wide range of habitats across the Indo-Pacific, from coral reefs and lagoons to seagrass beds and muddy coastal waters. It is a versatile and adaptable species that feeds on a broad diet of sponges, algae, tunicates, crustaceans, and various invertebrates. Its powerful beak-like teeth are capable of crushing hard-shelled prey with ease.
The Immaculatus Puffer is one of the hardiest pufferfish available for the home aquarium. It is disease-resistant, adapts quickly to captive conditions, and readily accepts virtually any food offered. However, its substantial adult size of up to 12 inches requires a large aquarium, and like all Arothron puffers, it is completely unsuitable for reef systems. It will consume all invertebrates and can inflict serious damage on tank equipment with its powerful jaws. Despite this, it is a personable and interactive pet that recognizes its keeper and displays engaging behavior.
Immaculatus Puffers are carnivores that feed on sponges, crustaceans, mollusks, and various invertebrates. In captivity, offer frozen krill, shrimp, squid, clam, silversides, and high-quality marine pellets. Provide hard-shelled foods such as whole shrimp, snails, or small crabs regularly to maintain their continuously growing teeth. Feed two to three times daily.
The Immaculatus Puffer is semi-aggressive and may bully smaller or slower tankmates. It will consume all invertebrates without exception. Best kept in large fish-only systems with other robust, moderately aggressive species. Compatible with triggerfish, large wrasses, groupers, and other puffers in sufficiently large tanks. Avoid housing with small or delicate species.
Check CompatibilityImmaculatus Puffers have not been bred in home aquariums. Like other Arothron species, they are believed to be pelagic spawners. The reproductive biology of this species in captivity is poorly understood, and the large adult size makes captive breeding impractical for most hobbyists.