Male (left) and Female (right)
Photos © Sean Evans
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| Common name: | Striped Red Eye Puffer, Zebra Puffer |
| Scientific name: | Carinotetraodon salivator |
| Synonyms: | (none) |
| Origin: | Sarawak, Malaysia (on the island of Borneo) |
| Size: | Up to approx 5cm (2in). |
| Recommended tank size: | 60 x 30cm (24 x 12in). |
| Tank setup: | A pair can be kept in a species tank as long as some cover is provided as a retreat. Provide plants, bogwood and/or rocks for cover.
Floating plants may help them feel more secure. Good filtration is required but avoid excessive current. |
| Compatibility: | Territorial with their own kind, males may harass females at times if sufficient cover isn't provided. Best kept in a species tank, but small-medium
fish that are not too boisterous should be ok, avoid slow-swimming fish with long fins (such as male Guppies), which might be nipped. |
| Temperature: | 24-28oC (75-82oF) |
| Water chemistry: | A freshwater species. pH around neutral, soft to fairly hard. |
| Feeding: | Live and frozen meaty foods: bloodworm and brine shrimp, cockles, mussel and prawn, snails. |
| Sexing: | Unlike many species of puffers, this species is easy to sex, see photos. |
| Breeding: | The male swims around the female with dorsal and ventral ridges erect. Spawning takes place near the substrate, and some brood care by the male
occurs. Eggs should hatch in about 3 days. |
| Comments: |
The male of this species is unmistakable and very striking, particularly when displaying. This is perhaps the rarest import of the Carinotetraodon puffers (along with C. borneensis), but they are
both found in more specialist aquatic shops from time to time. Its desirability and rarity mean it tends to command a high price.
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