Narrow Line Puffer

Narrow Line Puffer: The Striped Showman

The Narrow Line Puffer (Arothron manilensis), also commonly known as the Striped Puffer or Manila Puffer, is a large, intelligent, and highly personable member of the Arothron genus. It is easily recognized by its stout, oblong body and distinctive pattern of multiple thin, dark horizontal stripes running along its grayish-white or tan flanks.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, this puffer is a charismatic fish known for its curiosity and bold personality, often recognizing its owner and begging for food. However, it is a demanding species, capable of reaching an adult length of 10 to 12 inches (25–30 cm). Due to its size, large appetite, and messy eating habits, a minimum aquarium size of 125 to 150 gallons is required, with superior filtration and water maintenance being absolutely essential.

Like all puffers, the Narrow Line Puffer can inflate its body with water (or air, which is dangerous) to intimidate predators. Their skin contains the potent neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, though this is not a concern unless the fish is consumed or severely stressed. It should never be netted; use a container for transport to prevent it from swallowing air.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This puffer is a dedicated Carnivore with a fused beak-like mouth that grows continuously. It requires a varied diet of hard-shelled foods to naturally wear down its teeth. This must include items like clams in the shell, shrimp (shell-on), crab legs, and pieces of squid or fish. If the beak overgrows, the fish can starve, sometimes requiring professional dentistry. They should be fed multiple times per day.
• Housing & Filtration: Given their high bioload, a powerful protein skimmer and consistent large water changes are mandatory. The tank should have open swimming areas as well as stable, large rock structures to provide hiding places.
• Reef Compatibility: It is NOT Reef Safe. The Narrow Line Puffer will systematically destroy and consume nearly all invertebrates, including shrimp, crabs, snails, sea stars, and urchins. It will also nip at or consume corals, making it suitable only for a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) system.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive. While generally peaceful toward large, active, and robust tankmates (e.g., large Tangs, Triggerfish, or aggressive Angels), its nipping behavior and voracious appetite mean it should never be housed with slow-moving fish or those with long, flowy fins. It must be kept singly, as it will fight with other puffers of its own species.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Arothron manilensis
• Primary Common Name: Narrow Line Puffer
• Other Common Names: Striped Puffer, Manila Puffer, Narrow Lined Toadfish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 10-12 inches (25–30 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory (Intelligent & Messy)
• Diet: Carnivore (Requires hard-shelled food)
• Minimum Tank Size: 125–150+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: No (Predatory toward inverts and corals)