Origin
Found along the Pacific coasts of North, Central, and South America—most commonly from southern California to Peru. Occupies sandy reef slopes, estuarine shallows, and coastal lagoons.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Sporting a chunky body and cryptic coloring, this puffer has a tan-to-olive base marked by the bold, bullseye-like spot behind each eye. Its strong personality, interactive behavior, and sheer presence make it a standout in predator displays.

Purpose
Ideal for predator or species-only marine tanks where its intelligence and behavior can be appreciated. It keeps large invertebrate populations in check and provides motion and interaction.

Importance
Valuable to aquarists who appreciate interactive marine species. Not reef-safe due to its appetite for crustaceans, corals, and mollusks, but ideal in predator or FO (fish-only) setups.

Included Resources
Requires robust mechanical and biological filtration, protein skimmer, and stable marine parameters. Enrichment items like hard shells and feeding puzzles recommended to prevent boredom and beak overgrowth.

Best Use Cases
FO or FOWLR (Fish-Only With Live Rock) marine tanks. Not suitable for reef tanks. Works best in large aquaria with ample swimming space and minimal competition.

Conservation Context
May face regional pressure from coastal fishing and habitat loss. Wild populations are generally stable but sensitive to estuarine degradation. Captive-bred availability is rare.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Lionfish
• Groupers
• Large angelfish (non-aggressive)
• Marine eels (e.g., snowflake moray)
Avoid with: crustaceans, corals, or timid species

Region (A)
• Latitude: 23.6345° N
• Longitude: 102.5528° W
(Pacific coast of Mexico)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -5.1945° S
• Longitude: -80.6328° W
(Northern Peru, coastal range)