2026-04-23T16:23:39-07:00

Type: FISH
Price: 650.00 - 749.99 (2 variants)

Blue Pelagic Puffer

The Blue Pelagic Puffer (Diodon eydouxii) is one of the most extraordinary and rarely available fish in the saltwater hobby. Unlike any other porcupinefish, this species spends its entire life in the open ocean — and its appearance reflects exactly that. Its body is a natural, otherworldly blue that shifts from lavender to cyan depending on the light, an open-water camouflage adaptation that has no equivalent in reef-associated fish. Covered in long erectile spines and armed with a fused beak capable of crushing hard-shelled prey, this is an animal that looks like it was designed specifically to make jaws drop — and it does, every single time.

What makes Diodon eydouxii particularly compelling for the advanced hobbyist is that it keeps its stunning blue coloration well into adulthood — something that was only recently confirmed from fully mature Philippines specimens. It also maxes out at around 12 inches, making it dramatically more manageable than its larger cousin Diodon hystrix, which can reach three feet. Like all porcupinefish, it possesses a massive personality — quickly recognizing its keeper, responding to feeding, and developing the kind of interactive, dog-like behavior that turns fish owners into fish obsessives.

Sourced directly from Philippine waters, these are among the very few Blue Pelagic Puffers available in the hobby. This is not a fish you see every day — or every year.

Available Options

Juvenile (1–3")

Young specimen at peak blue coloration intensity — vivid and electric at this stage

Ideal for establishing in your system and growing out over time

A rare opportunity to raise one of the hobby's most coveted fish from an early age

Adult (3–7")

Subadult to adult specimen with confirmed retained blue coloration

Fully established feeding behavior — more robust and ready to settle immediately

Immediate centerpiece impact — the full Blue Pelagic Puffer experience from day one

Care Information

🌡️ Temperature
73–80°F (23–27°C)

🧂 Salinity
1.020–1.025 — drip acclimate carefully

🐠 Temperament
Semi-aggressive — not reef safe

⚙️ Care Level
Moderate — for experienced fishkeepers

🍽️ Diet
Carnivore — mysis, chopped seafood, cockle, crustaceans

🏠 Tank Size
90 gallon minimum — FOWLR recommended

📏 Max Size
~12" — manageable for a porcupinefish

🌊 Water Flow
Moderate — open swimming space essential

Special Considerations

The Blue Pelagic Puffer is not reef safe and will eat crustaceans, snails, and other invertebrates — it belongs in a FOWLR system with compatible tankmates. Feed a varied diet of meaty foods multiple times daily — mysis shrimp, chopped seafood, cockle, and occasional hard-shelled prey to naturally wear down the continuously growing beak teeth. Avoid housing with aggressive fish that may outcompete it at feeding time or nip at its fins. Like all porcupinefish it can inflate when stressed — avoid situations that trigger repeated inflation. A quality protein skimmer is essential as this is a heavy-feeding, high-waste species. Do not expose to copper-based medications.

🔍 Aquarium Insights

The Blue Pelagic Puffer is in a category of its own in the marine hobby:

The only porcupinefish that is truly pelagic throughout its entire life — its blue coloration, streamlined body, and falcate fins are all open-ocean adaptations with no equivalent among reef species

Confirmed to retain blue coloration into full adulthood — making it one of the most visually spectacular fish available at any size

Exceptionally rare in the hobby — sourced directly from Philippine waters, this is a once-in-a-while opportunity that serious collectors do not pass up

Learn More

For detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our Species Library.

Livestock Disclaimer
Due to natural variation, the specimen you receive may vary slightly in coloration, spine density, and size within the stated range. Blue coloration intensity may vary between individuals and can shift under different lighting conditions.

Photographs are representative examples. Coloration in juvenile specimens may differ slightly from adult coloration.

As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results.