Red-spot pufferfish (Tetradon Abei) 7cm+

Often shy at first, but once they are established they become very confident and aggressive.

We recommend a species-only tank - not to be housed with other fish as they are very territorial.

Native to Asia, specifically the Mekong river basin, they are typically found in waters with slow moving currents like flooded forest areas and river tributaries.

"Puffer Fish" are known to blow up when stressed and we recommend avoiding this as they can experience problems deflating and lead to further health problems.

Naturally observant and inquisitive, they can recognise their owner, often getting excited at feeding times and waiting for a familiar face to feed them!

Care information

• Size:10-11cm

• pH:6.4-7.1

• Water hardiness:53-267 ppm

• Temperature: 23-27℃

Tank requirements

Minimum tank size: 100 ltr for one adult

Substrate: we recommend soft deep sand, as puffer fish often like to bury themselves in order to ambush their prey.

Filtration

They need a strong filtration system due to their messy eating habits

Decoration

Lots of driftwood caves and plants to mimic their natural habitat.

Caution should be used as when burying themselves, they can uproot plants. Hardy wel- rooted plants are preferable. 

Food

Red spotted puffer fish have teeth that need to be maintained to stop them overgrowing.

Offer foods with hard shells to help keep teeth trimmed down, such as snails, cockle in shell , crustaceans, krill and prawns . They will also benefit from worms, bloodworm, frozen fish and chopped mussel meat

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is very difficult due to the aggressive nature of these pufferfish.

The male assumes the role of protector while the male and female breed.

Once they have spawned, the male chases the female away.

Raising the fry and hatching the eggs is very hit and miss as males are known to eat the eggs and even the fry, so not really suitable for home aquarium breeding.