Midnight Dogface Puffer

Also known as Black Dogface Puffer, Melanistic Dogface Puffer

The Midnight Dogface Puffer is an exceptionally rare and stunning melanistic color variant featuring solid black to very dark charcoal coloration across the entire body. This ultra-rare morph represents one of the most sought-after puffer varieties available, combining the beloved Dogface personality with dramatic, unique coloration. Extremely limited availability and spectacular appearance make this one of the most prized puffer specimens for serious collectors.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Arothron nigropunctatus 
• Common Names: Midnight Dogface Puffer, Black Dogface Puffer, Melanistic Dogface
• Adult Size: Up to 12-13 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful for a large puffer; highly personable
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; will consume invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Intermediate; requires large system and proper diet

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires large tank with substantial open swimming space and rockwork featuring caves for shelter. Strong water flow was appreciated. Secure all equipment and decorations heavily. Provide territories if keeping with other large fish.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Excellent water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• High-capacity filtration system (heavy bioload)
• Large protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Secure, heavy lid
• Protected equipment

These maintain water quality for this large predator.

Diet & Feeding

Midnight Dogface Puffers are carnivores requiring hard foods for beak maintenance.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen krill, squid, clams, mussels, scallops
• Hard-shelled foods: Snails, crabs, shrimp with shells, clams in shell (CRITICAL)
• Variety: Chopped fish, octopus, crab meat, whole shrimp
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods regularly

Feeding Frequency: Once daily; large portions

Special Note: MUST have regular hard-shelled foods to wear down continuously growing beak. Without proper hard foods, the beak overgrows severely, preventing feeding. Offer hard-shelled prey several times weekly minimum.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Best with other large, semi-aggressive fish
• Generally Peaceful: Relatively peaceful; may eat very small fish
• Predatory: Will consume any fish small enough to swallow
• Reef Safety: Will eat all invertebrates; not reef compatible

Notes & Considerations

• EXTREMELY RARE: One of the rarest puffer color morphs available.
• Solid black to very dark charcoal coloration across the entire body.
• Melanistic variant; lacks normal spotted pattern completely.
• Absolutely stunning and unique appearance.
• Commands very high premium prices due to extreme rarity.
• Very limited availability; highly sought by serious collectors.
• Same beloved personality as standard Dogface Puffer.
• The face pattern is still recognizable despite black coloration.
• Extremely intelligent and interactive: Recognizes owner immediately.
• Quickly learns the feeding schedule and begs enthusiastically at glass.
• Often greets the owner; develops a strong bond with the keeper.
• True “pet fish” that interacts like a puppy.
• Can be trained to hand-feed with patience (use caution; powerful bite).
• Very curious; investigates everything in and around the tank.
• May rearrange decorations and explore constantly.
• Beak grows continuously throughout life; hard foods are mandatory.
• Can crush thick snail shells and crab shells with a powerful beak.
• Without proper diet, beak overgrows, requiring veterinary intervention.
• I will eat any fish small enough to fit in my mouth.
• Consumes all crustaceans: shrimp, crabs, hermit crabs, snails.
• Absolutely not suitable for reef aquariums.
• Produces substantial waste; excellent filtration essential.
• Creates ammonia spikes if overfed; monitor water quality carefully.
• Can release toxins (tetrodotoxin) when severely stressed.
• Toxin release is rare but potentially lethal to other fish.
• Usually only occurs when fish are dying or extremely stressed.
• Handle gently; minimize stress during maintenance.
• Hardy once established; relatively disease-resistant.
• Susceptible to ich and marine velvet; can tolerate copper treatments.
• Can inflate the body when threatened (puffing behavior).
• Inflation is stressful; never deliberately cause puffing.
• May jump when startled; secure lid mandatory.
• Long-lived; 10-15+ year commitment with proper care.
• Requires substantial space as it grows.
• Ultra-rare melanistic variant of Indo-Pacific Dogface.
• Investment-grade specimen for serious collectors.
• Excellent centerpiece fish for large fish-only systems.
• One of the most prized puffer specimens available.

Why Choose a Quarantined Midnight Dogface Puffer?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, properly acclimated ultra-rare puffer. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and trained to accept varied foods including essential hard-shelled items for beak maintenance before sale. Given the extreme rarity and very high price of this melanistic variant, proper quarantine provides absolutely essential protection for your significant investment. This provides the strongest possible foundation for long-term success with this exceptional and extraordinarily rare species.