Coastal Waters
Puffer
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Bullseye Puffer (Sphoeroides annulatus)
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Pro
Description
Known for the distinctive dark ring behind its eyes, the Bullseye Puffer is a large, temperamental marine species that thrives in spacious tanks. Its powerful jaws, intelligence, and aggressive behavior make it a high-maintenance choice for dedicated marine aquarists.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Bullseye Puffer (Sphoeroides annulatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a large tank, meaty diet, and attention to aggression and enrichment.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; not commonly bred in captivity. Habitat degradation poses regional threats.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Bullseye Puffer (Sphoeroides annulatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a large tank, meaty diet, and attention to aggression and enrichment.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; not commonly bred in captivity. Habitat degradation poses regional threats.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Bullseye Puffer (Sphoeroides annulatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires a large tank, meaty diet, and attention to aggression and enrichment.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; not commonly bred in captivity. Habitat degradation poses regional threats.
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)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Bullseye Puffer (Sphoeroides annulatus)
Region
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