[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Miscellaneous Fish – Green Puffer (Tetraodon fluviatilis)

This is probably the species of puffer most frequently seen in shops. As its species name indicates, Green Puffer can be found in at least some freshwater habitats in the wild. However, for peak long-term health, brackish conditions are recommended.

Family

• Tetraodontidae

Distribution

• Freshwater and brackish regions in Southeast Asia.

Size

• Up to 6 3/4in (17cm).

Behavior

• Increasingly intolerant and aggressive with age, particularly toward conspecifics, exhibits fin-nipping tendencies.

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted, including aquatic snails and succulent plants.

Aquarium

• Spacious, with several shelters, fine-grained substratum, and tough and/or unpalatable plants— or their artificial equivalents —arranged in clumps along the sides and back, leaving an open swimming area along front Neutral to alkaline hard water with about 1 teaspoonful of salt per 1 Imp. gal (1 1/5 U.S. gal/4.5 I) recommended. Temperature range: 75-82 F (24-28 C).

Breeding

• Challenging in aquaria; brackish conditions important. Eggs are laid on stone and are guarded by male. Hatching takes around 6-7 days.