The characteristic features of puffer fish include round shaped body with large head, movable and sparsely located eyes.
While the spines are visible only on inhalation; the puffer fish has no scales at all.
The mouth exhibits the presence of four teeth compounded with the jaw itself.
The puffer fish utilizes its pectoral fins and tail fin for movement.
Since the puffer fish requires immense care and attention, therefore it is advisable for first timers in the field to refrain from keeping it as a pet.
The tank for the fish must be procured catering for the ultimate adult size of the species of puffer fish selected.
For instance, a hundred gallon tank would be mandatory for a fish finally measuring 12 inches in length.
For better health prospects of your fish, the water must be changed regularly.
Renewing 50 percent of the water on a weekly basis is recommended.
Apart from members of the species, it is advisable to keep puffer fish away from any company.
They are known to prey on smaller sized fish as tank mates and gnaw on the fins of the larger ones.
These fish tend to puff up their bodies in reaction to stress or danger.
However, this must be avoided as it is hazardous to the health of the fish.
The food requirement of the fish varies in proportion to their individual size.
Fish lesser than 2 inches in size need food every day, those between 2 and 4 inches require to be fed on alternate days and the bigger species measuring more than four inches should be provided with food only 2 to 3 times on a weekly basis.
Food items best for their health include vitamin fortified pellets, crustaceans, fresh shrimps, snails, shellfish and frozen herbivore food for fish.
Eating hard food aids in maintaining the length of its teeth that otherwise may require manual filing.
Also, a filtration system may be a necessity with regards to the puffer's maintenance as they tend to litter the tank immensely while eating food.