Tetraodon Fluviatilis

Datasheet

General Description

Puffer fish, known for their ability to inflate, such as the Green Puffer (Tetraodon Fluviatilis), possess unique characteristics like blinking eyes and beak-like mouthparts. This species contains the potent neurotoxin tetrodoxin in various body parts, making them intriguing yet potentially dangerous aquarium inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup

To house the Green Puffer, a tank of at least 110 liters with brackish water conditions (specific gravity of 1.005-1.010) is necessary. Providing cover like rocks and driftwood, a sandy substrate, and plant cover such as java ferns or plastic plants is ideal. Regular water changes are crucial due to the species' sensitivity to water quality fluctuations.

Behaviour

Green Puffers are notably intolerant and aggressive towards tankmates, tending to nip at slow-moving or long-finned companions. Keeping only one Green Puffer per tank is advisable, unless ample space is available, as they exhibit belligerent behavior towards conspecifics.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding on shellfish, worms, and various live and frozen foods, Green Puffers require regular consumption of snails and unshelled shellfish to maintain their continuously growing teeth. Their diet should include crab legs, mussels, and similar foods to prevent dental problems.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Limited information is available on the reproduction of Green Puffers. The female lays eggs on a flat surface, which are guarded by the male until hatching. Sexual dimorphism in this species remains unknown at present.

Habitat and Distribution

Commonly found in slow-moving parts of rivers and estuaries, the Green Puffer has a distribution spanning across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. This species thrives in brackish water but can adapt to full marine conditions if needed.