Southern Burrowing Puffer

4-5 inch

The Southern Burrowing Puffer (Sphoeroides nephelus) is a small, hardy species native to the western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, commonly found in sandy or seagrass coastal areas. This bottom-dwelling pufferfish earns its name from its behavior of partially burying itself in sand to hide from predators or ambush prey. Typically reaching 6–8 inches (15–20 cm), it sports a mottled tan-to-brown coloration with irregular white spots for camouflage. Known for its curious personality and comical appearance, the Southern Burrowing Puffer adapts well to captivity when housed in a well-oxygenated, 55+ gallon saltwater tank with a sandy substrate and moderate flow. Like all puffers, it’s capable of inflating itself when threatened but should never be induced to puff intentionally.

In aquariums, Sphoeroides nephelus thrives on a meaty diet including clams, shrimp, crab legs, snails, and other hard-shelled foods to help keep its constantly growing beak trimmed. These puffers are not reef safe, as they may nip at corals or consume crustaceans and mollusks. They are, however, generally non-aggressive toward larger fish, making them a great addition to a fish-only setup. Important keywords: Southern Burrowing Puffer care, Sphoeroides nephelus diet, burrowing pufferfish tank size, Gulf of Mexico pufferfish, saltwater puffer species, pufferfish compatibility, pufferfish feeding habits, pufferfish aquarium setup, pufferfish behavior, marine fish care guide.