{"product_id":"bennetts-puffer","title":"Bennett's Puffer","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBiosecurity Shipping Limitations apply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShipping Allowed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 79.3752px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eTasmania\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00ff80;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eWestern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00ff2a;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eNorthern Territory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003eAll Other States\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bennett's Puffer (Canthigaster bennetti), also known as Bennett's Sharpnose Puffer or Blackspot Toby, is a fascinating small marine pufferfish recognised for its distinctive markings, inquisitive personality and compact body shape. Belonging to the family Tetraodontidae, this attractive species is an excellent choice for marine aquarists seeking an entertaining fish with plenty of character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indo-West Pacific, including Australian coastal waters, Bennett's Puffers inhabit shallow reef flats, sheltered lagoons, rocky reefs and seagrass environments. They are often found exploring algae-covered rockwork and reef structures in search of food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir appearance features a greenish-brown to tan upper body, contrasting pale underside, delicate blue-green lines radiating from the eyes and attractive blue and orange spotting. A distinctive dark spot outlined with a lighter border near the dorsal fin helps distinguish this species from other sharpnose puffers. Colouration can vary between individuals and natural habitats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\nThe Australian Museum+1\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBennett's Puffers are intelligent, curious fish that spend much of their time investigating their surroundings and grazing across rockwork. Their expressive faces, constantly moving eyes and distinctive swimming style make them particularly entertaining aquarium inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough generally less aggressive than many larger pufferfish, Bennett's Puffers can be territorial towards other puffers and may occasionally nip the fins of slower-moving tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are best housed individually with compatible, moderately active marine fish such as selected tangs, rabbitfish, wrasses and peaceful damselfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquarium Suitability and Compatibility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite their relatively small adult size, Bennett's Puffers require an established marine aquarium with plenty of live rock, hiding places and open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not considered reliably reef safe, as they may nip at corals, ornamental crustaceans and other invertebrates. Their natural feeding habits include grazing on algae and consuming small benthic invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) aquarium is generally the safest environment for this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\nSaltcorner+1\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBennett's Puffers are omnivorous, feeding naturally on filamentous algae, other marine algae and small bottom-dwelling invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, provide a varied diet including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChopped prawns, squid and mussels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall pieces of shelled marine crustaceans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarine algae and nori.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpirulina-based marine foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-quality omnivore marine pellets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOccasional appropriately sized hard-shelled foods help encourage natural chewing behaviour and assist with maintaining their continuously growing teeth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions once or twice daily, adjusting according to the fish's condition and appetite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mature aquarium with stable water conditions, established live rock and good biological filtration is essential. Provide caves, crevices and sheltered areas alongside open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other pufferfish, Bennett's Puffers can inflate their bodies when frightened. This is a defensive response and should never be deliberately encouraged. When transferring the fish, use a submerged container rather than lifting it into the air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith appropriate care, varied feeding and compatible tank mates, Bennett's Puffer makes an engaging addition to a dedicated marine fish aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eNot reef safe\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Requirement\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetails\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBennett's Puffer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanthigaster bennetti\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTetraodontidae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndo-West Pacific, including Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUp to 10 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum Aquarium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e190 litres recommended\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecific Gravity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.023–1.026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwimming Level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll levels \/ Rockwork\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot reliably reef safe\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAquarium Type\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarine Fish Only \/ FOWLR\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSocial Behaviour\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest kept singly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended Aquarium Setup\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished live rock with caves and crevices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen areas for swimming and exploring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate water movement and effective filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompatible, moderately active tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural algae growth for grazing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecure aquarium lid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMinimum aquarium volume is a conservative husbandry recommendation rather than a scientifically established species-specific threshold. Water parameters reflect standard tropical marine aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Is Bennett's Puffer reef safe?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Bennett's Puffers are not considered reliably reef safe. They may nip at corals, ornamental shrimp, snails and other invertebrates. They are best suited to fish-only marine aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. How big does Bennett's Puffer grow?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBennett's Puffers reach approximately 10 cm in total length, making them one of the smaller marine pufferfish species. Despite their compact size, they still require adequate swimming space and a well-established aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. What should I feed my Bennett's Puffer?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, chopped prawns, squid, mussels, marine algae and quality marine pellets. Occasional hard-shelled foods are beneficial for natural tooth wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Can Bennett's Puffers live with other fish?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They can coexist with appropriately sized, moderately active marine fish. However, they may nip at slow-moving or long-finned species and can become territorial towards other puffers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. Why does my Bennett's Puffer inflate its body?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInflation is a natural defence mechanism used when the fish feels threatened. It should not be deliberately triggered, as repeated stress and inflation can negatively affect the fish's wellbeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Can I keep two Bennett's Puffers together?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping two specimens together is not generally recommended unless they are a compatible pair in a suitably sized aquarium. Territorial disputes can occur, particularly between individuals of the same species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Assuming they are reef safe: Bennett's Puffers may nip at corals and consume ornamental invertebrates, making them unsuitable for many reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Feeding only soft frozen foods: A diet lacking variety and appropriate hard-shelled foods may contribute to dental problems and nutritional deficiencies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Keeping them with slow-moving fish: Species with long fins or timid feeding behaviour may be harassed or outcompeted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Deliberately encouraging inflation: Puffing is a stress response and should never be triggered for entertainment or photography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. Keeping multiple puffers without planning: Territorial aggression can occur between Bennett's Puffers and other members of the Canthigaster genus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Introducing them into immature aquariums: Poor water quality, unstable salinity and insufficient biological filtration can negatively affect their health.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51071820431499,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/bennetts-pufferapex-aquatic-5880911.jpg?v=1793948654","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/bennetts-puffer","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}