Freshwater Puffers
Brackish Puffers
Saltwater Puffers
Index
Tetraodon |
 |
| Photo: Needed, Inside Aquatics |
| Common Names: | Fahaka Puffer | Also Known As: | Nile Puffer, Globe Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synonyms: | Tetraodon fahaka | Family: | Tetraodontidae |
| Origin: | Africa, Nile Region | Main Ecosystem: | Nile River and Tributaries |
| Salinity: | Freshwater | Temperament: | Very aggressive, often will kill any living creature placed in tank with it |
| PH: | 6.8-7.8 | Temperature: | 76-82F (24-28C) |
| Maximum Size: | 18 inches (45cm) | Minimum Tank: | 125 Gallons(US) |
| Activity: | Hunter/Seeker | Lifespan: | 10 |
| Gender: | No sexual dimorphism | Breeding: | Impractical due to aggression issues. Though has been done on a very limited basis. |
| Diet: | Since these puffers are often purchased very young, feeding will change as they age and grow. While small, feed snails, krill and commercial frozen foods. Once they pass 6" (not counting tail), feeding should expand to include people shrimp and foods from the grocery fish counter - broken off crab and lobster legs, mussels, small clams, etc. with some Jumbo freeze dried prepared krill (presoaked). As they grow, they may lose interest in the smaller snails. Avoid feeding "commercial" feeder fish as they carry many diseases. When feeders must be fed, quarantine them properly before introducing them to the puffer. Some safer live food options include ghost shrimp (gut loaded), crawfish, crabs and clams. | ||
| Care: | Like all puffers, T. lineatus are sensitive to nitrites and ammonia and should only be introduced into a fully cycled aquarium. They are very aggressive and have been known to attack and kill anything in their tank, including other T. lineatus. Because of this, they should be kept as singles throughout their lives. | ||
| Notes: | This is one of the larger species of puffer. It is also one of the faster growing species. As such, be prepared to upgrade the tank quickly if it is placed in a smaller (less than 125) tank. The tank must be wide enough (front to back) to allow the fish to turn freely, otherwise, the tail and tail muscles may become damaged over time. | ||
Return to Freshwater Puffers
Copyright 2005
Images may not be copied or used without prior written consent