Puffer ID...mappa or stellatus

[jjj1100]

Well I picked this little guy up at the LFS. It came in as a stellatus, but the owner thinks its a Mappa...

Here are the pics

I really thought it was a mappa, but after seeing some pics now I am not really sure.

Any input would be great.

Thank

 

[LisaD]

I'm no ID expert, but it looks a lot like a mappa to me. nice puffer. can I ask how you paid for it?

 

[jjj1100]

Sure, he was $100 (the owner gave it to me priced as a Stellatus). Right now he is about 4 inches, eating like a hog.

 

[Grouperhead]

Looks more like mappa to me also. Great looking achilles too! Looks like you're doing quite the job keeping your fish happy and healthy. Good luck with the new guy.

 

[LisaD]

if it's a mappa, you got a heck of a deal! I second Grouperhead, fish look great!

 

[JustinReef]

Hopefully a Mappa (looks like it) unless you have an enormous tank for a Starry Puffer. I saw some a few years ago on a dive and I don't think many people have tanks even close to big enough for a Stellatus. I have seen 300G as a minimum some places but I think thats way too small.

Nice looking Puffer!

 

[jjj1100]

Thanks,

Right now he is in a 300g Fowlr...and is only 4 inches...hoping he is a Mappa as I know that he should be able to live comfortably for a long time in there

 

[danorth]

Are they normally golden at this size? I've never seen that, just the bottoms are gold.

 

[marcrunner]

They are collected from a large area, looks somewhat different from mine, but then he also just looks young--beautiful!

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12554531#post12554531 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjj1100
Thanks,

Right now he is in a 300g Fowlr...and is only 4 inches...hoping he is a Mappa as I know that he should be able to live comfortably for a long time in there

Yeah a 300G is great for a Mappa. A stellatus may be cramped eventually but I think it would take a long time. I guess a Stellatus in a 300G would not be much different than keeping a Porcupine in a 90G which people do all the time. It also depends on dimensions of course.

 

[1ucky]

Beautiful Mappa! I'm looking for one myself that size but can't find it at my LFS's. I found one in NYC for $180 and will be taking a look at it tomorrow.

 

[JustinReef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12705254#post12705254 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 1ucky
Beautiful Mappa! I'm looking for one myself that size but can't find it at my LFS's. I found one in NYC for $180 and will be taking a look at it tomorrow.

Even $180 is a decent price for a Mappa...I see them for closer to $300 sometimes. Although the ones Im thinking of are quite large.

 

[Pufferpunk]

http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Marine/A_Mappa/

 

[reefer334]

Looks like a Sapo Puffer that is changing into a golden puffer.



Chris

 

[FishtankAndy]

Definately, 100% sure it's a Mappa.

Great pick up, for only $100!