Cichlid
Truly freshwater, or brackish?
Many puffers sold as freshwater fish actually need brackish water as adults. The green spotted puffer and figure 8 puffer are brackish fish. True freshwater species include the tiny pea puffer (dwarf puffer, Carinotetraodon travancoricus), the Fahaka puffer (Tetraodon lineatus) and the giant Mbu puffer (Tetraodon mbu).
| Puffer | Adult size | Water | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea puffer | About 1 inch | Fresh | Small groups in a planted tank. Feisty for its size. |
| Fahaka puffer | About 16 inches | Fresh | Solo fish. Needs a very large tank and is aggressive. |
| Mbu puffer | Over 2 feet | Fresh | One of the largest freshwater puffers. Huge tank needed. |
| Green spotted puffer | About 6 inches | Brackish to marine | Not a long term freshwater fish. |
Teeth that never stop growing
Puffers have beak like teeth that keep growing. Hard foods such as snails, clams and crustaceans wear them down. Without them, teeth can overgrow and the fish can no longer eat.
Diet
Puffers are carnivores and rarely accept flakes or pellets. Feed snails, frozen bloodworms, mysis, and for larger species, shellfish and krill. Remove leftovers quickly, since puffers are messy eaters.
Frequently asked questions
Are there true freshwater puffer fish?
Yes. Pea puffers, Fahaka puffers and Mbu puffers live in fresh water. Green spotted and figure 8 puffers need brackish water as adults.
What do pea puffers eat?
Small live or frozen foods such as snails, bloodworms and brine shrimp. Most will not eat flakes.
Can puffers live with other fish?
Most puffers nip fins and are kept alone or in species only setups.
What you will need
- Frozen bloodwormsStaple meaty food.Check price on Amazon
- Snail breeding tubA home grown supply of snails for teeth.Check price on Amazon
- Planted tank lightFor pea puffer setups.Check price on Amazon
Links go to Amazon search results so you can compare current prices. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
