Giant Puffer Fish

Common name(s) Giant Puffer Fish, Giant Freshwater puffer Giant Freshwater Puffer fish, juvenile
Juvenile

Adult
Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Tetraodon mbu

Synonyms

Size Up to 30" (75cm), usually smaller in captivity, around 20" (50cm).

Origin Africa: Congo river, Lake Tanganyika

Tank setup A large tank (at least 5x2x2' for an adult kept alone, preferably larger) with plenty of open swimming space. Some smooth and robust decor items can be included around the edges.

Compatibility Can be aggressive and intolerant of other fish, although there is some variation in temperament, and young fish introduced to a community may ignore their tankmates. However, they have formidable teeth and could potentially do serious damage to other fish. Their sheer size alone makes them unsuitable for the general community tank.

Temperature 24-26^oC (75-78^oF)

Water chemistry Freshwater species. Fairly soft to fairly hard, around neutral pH 7.0

Feeding Carnivorous: live and frozen foods including snails, mussel, cockle and shrimp/prawn, earthworms.

Sexing Unknown

Breeding Not reported in home aquaria - impractical due to the adult size.

Comments This species is the largest of the freshwater puffers, do not purchase unless you have the means to accomodate the large adult size! Like most puffers, they have impressive teeth, which they can use to feed on snails and shellfish.

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Giant Puffer Fish, Giant Freshwater puffer	Juvenile Adult Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Tetraodon mbu
Synonyms
Size	Up to 30" (75cm), usually smaller in captivity, around 20" (50cm).
Origin	Africa: Congo river, Lake Tanganyika
Tank setup	A large tank (at least 5x2x2' for an adult kept alone, preferably larger) with plenty of open swimming space. Some smooth and robust decor items can be included around the edges.
Compatibility	Can be aggressive and intolerant of other fish, although there is some variation in temperament, and young fish introduced to a community may ignore their tankmates. However, they have formidable teeth and could potentially do serious damage to other fish. Their sheer size alone makes them unsuitable for the general community tank.
Temperature	24-26^oC (75-78^oF)
Water chemistry	Freshwater species. Fairly soft to fairly hard, around neutral pH 7.0
Feeding	Carnivorous: live and frozen foods including snails, mussel, cockle and shrimp/prawn, earthworms.
Sexing	Unknown
Breeding	Not reported in home aquaria - impractical due to the adult size.
Comments	This species is the largest of the freshwater puffers, do not purchase unless you have the means to accomodate the large adult size! Like most puffers, they have impressive teeth, which they can use to feed on snails and shellfish.