Among puffer enthusiasts, there is one group of puffers that has spawned as much as, if not more confusion than T. nigroviridis and T. fluviatilis. These five puffers, known as the target puffers, appear to be closely related. Included in this group are Tetraodon cambodgiensis, Tetraodon leirus, Tetraodon turgidus, Tetraodon hilgendorfi, and Tetraodon cochinchinensis. Tetraodon cutcutia is often confused as part of this group, but currently is not a member of the target group. The main reason for all of the confusion about these puffers is their similar physical characteristics. Since they all come from the same geographic area, it is equally possible that they are all subspecies of a common puffer or separate species. It is likely that the entire group will be reassessed and reassigned in the near future. Profiles are available for T. leiurus and T. cochinchinensis.

T. cochinchinensis, T. turgidus, and T. cutcutia seem to be the most common in the trade. Care for the three is quite similar, aside from tank requirements due to the larger size of turgidus and cutcutia. All three do best when kept as solitary specimens in a tank. Generally, they do not tolerate other puffers in the same tank, especially puffers of the same species. Otherwise, treat them like any other puffer, provide them with pristine water conditions, never introduce them into an uncycled tank, feed them dead meaty foods, and provide weekly large volume water changes (~50%). As with other puffers, these are primarily wild caught and often will not accept dead food. Dangling a krill or similar tasty morsel on the end of a string or fish line is a good first step. Place the food near the mouth and bounce it to simulate a living moving target. Eventually, the puffers will learn that it is food and accept it readily.

T. cochinchinensis

When feeding puffers, the keeper must realize that they do not need to be fed often, especially the larger puffers. They are very good at begging for food and the owner must learn to resist the puffer’s charm. All puffers should have a well balanced and varied diet in order to mimic their natural diet as close as possible. This diet needs to include hard crunchy foods, such as snails, to curb the growth rate of their teeth. Puffer teeth, much like rodents, never stop growing and if crunchy food is not provided, the puffer will eventually be unable to eat and will starve to death. When you feed snails, be sure to avoid Malaysian Trumpet Snails, as their shells are too hard and can break puffer teeth.

T. turgidus

If attempting to tell these puffers apart, here are some helpful, though not foolproof hints. First, T. cochinchinensis often has a red spot near the base of its tail. T. turgidus’ spot is generally black or a dark brown. Be warned however, that this is not fool-proof and if you are unsure, remember, it is better to provide a larger than necessary tank than one that is too small for the puffer.