Puffer Fish Lair
Species Names and Auxiliary Information, updated as more information becomes available
Note: The water parameters listed are for species collected and recorded. Often, most species will travel amongst various water types and habitats.
Unless you are preparing for a breeding program, it is generally a good idea to work with water parameters that are easy to keep stable. Acclimate the fish to your water type, and keep the tank stable.
Many products and methods for changing the water parameters leave your tank in an unstable condition, which can result in a pH crash and kill your fish.
Sizes listed are Standard Length: from the nose to the end of the caudal peduncle, Not nose to end of tail fin (Total Length)
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This symbol indicates species that I have not been able to obtain much information about, or a photograph. If you keep any of these species, have a photo I can use, or wish to submit information about your experiences with any of these marked species to this site, please use the email link on the home page. I have some of the photographs from the journals, but they are copyrighted, and I am still in the process of obtaining permission to use them.
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Alphabetical Listing by Scientific Name, Quick Links to more information on species. Or go to Picture Gallery Listing
Red Eye, Carinotetraodon lorteti (valid) AKA C.
somphongsi & T. borneensis (reclassified, Tetraodon is no longer
correct genus) There are noticeable differences between the genders for
this species. Males are redder, and show display exhibits of a keel and
back ridge. Dorsal rays 11-13, Anal Rays 10-12, Nasal tentacle is a short
rounded tube with a terminal opening. Distribution: Borneo, Malaya, Indochina.
A fresh water species, maximum size noted by literature is 5.5 cm. (2.16
inches). Do not let their small size fool you, this is an aggressive species
that can obliterate a community tank to tatters in hours or days. Successful
breeding in captivity has been achieved by scientists and hobbyists.
Carinotetraodon irrubesco is not currently recognised as a separate species by Fish Base. However, the Aqualog publication does list it as separate. Apparently the only difference is the colour of the caudal in, which is red in this species. Perhaps the taxonomists will discover whether this is indeed a separate species or only a phase or variation of the C. lorteti. Maximum size of this phase is cited as 4.5 cm (1.77 inches)
Carinotetraodon imitator (valid), Inhabits South West India, Kerala,
Cochin district. Maximum size cited 2.2 cm (0.86 inches). Most hobbyists
report this species never is more than an inch long.
AND
Dwarf Puffers, Carinotetraodon travancorius (valid): this link contains
information about both species of Dwarf Puffer, from Hora & Nair's research.
Both of these species exhibit external differences between the genders. Males are easier to pick out with display exhibitions of keel and back ridges, and a dark line on the belly. Males not in display may look very similar to females. Both species are fresh water puffers. Plenty of plants and Java Moss will encourage breeding situations. The fry are very tiny and may only be sustained by the smallest food items at hatch time. Removing the eggs to a separate aquarium has been more successful than leaving them in the parent's tank. Back to Menu
Carinotetraodon salivator (valid): Some individuals are striped vertically,
yellow with brown -red stripes. Others look remarkably like the Carinotetraodon
lorteti species. The only photographs I have been able to find are in
the Aqualog book: The Puffers of fresh and Brackish Waters by Dr. Klaus
Ebert. Originating from Malaysia, Sarawak, Borneo, this species stays small
about 5 cm. (1.96 inches). Back to Menu
Bluespotted blaasop, Chelonodon laticeps (valid): More than likely
spends more time in marine salinity. Inhabits Western Indian Ocean from 6°S
to Xora River Mouth in S. Africa. 20 cm (7.87 inches). This species is rarely
sold, C. patoca is more commonly seen. Back to Menu
Milk Spotted Puffer, Chelonodon patoca (valid): No noticeable external
differences between the genders. Body is brown, belly golden yellow. Back
and sides with white spots. Juveniles have broad dark bars across the back,
between the eyes, above the base of pectorals, and below dorsal. These fish
are found in the ocean as well as brackish estuaries. Be prepared to provide
a marine habitat with maturity. Most keepers experience fin nipping habits
sets in after a short time in captivity. (Dorsal rays 9-10, anal rays 8)
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific. Maximum size cited in literature: 30 cm
(11.81 inches). Back to Menu
Excerpts in this section are from Journal Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 1-16, 10 figs, June 15, 1982, Proceeding of the California Academy of Sciences, “The Southeast Asian Freshwater Pufferfish Genus Chonerhinos (Tetraodontidae), with Descriptions of New Species”, by Tyson R. Roberts.
Chonerhinos amabilis (valid):
Synonym Auriglobus amabilis is used
in the Aqualog publication. Fresh water puffer: Inhabits Indonesia:
Kalimantan, Borneo, Kapuas River Basin. 7 cm (2.75 inches). This fish
is more gold in colour and has a white belly.
Excerpt from Journal follows: New Species. DIAGNOSIS.- Chonerhinos amabilis is readily distinguished from all other members of the genus by its highly distinctive coloration, almost all elements of which are visible in all specimens examined, including some century-old specimens which may have been dead for some time before being preserved. The unique features include a roundish dark spot in the middle of caudal peduncle, visible in all specimens; a large, distinctively shaped dark mark on dorsal surface of head extending uninterrupted from just behind upper lip to well behind the eyes, set off by pale coloration on the upper lip, sides of snout, nasal flaps, and skin dorsal to orbits; pale white or milky coloration on ventral and lateral surfaces of body extending very far dorsally; dark coloration on dorsal surface of body markedly enhanced around base of dorsal fin; and a small dark or dusky oval spot with indistinct margins near tip of chin (very faint or absent in some specimens). In addition, C. amabilis tends to have the largest nasal organ of any Chonerhinos, and thus of any tetraodontid (Tyler 1980:290); relatively large dorsal and anal fins with angulated (rather than rounded) margins; and scales on side of body anterior and ventral to pectoral fin relatively small, few in number, and with spines directed posteriorly. ETYMOLOGY.- Latin amabilis, lovely. Back to Menu
Golden Puffer, Chonerhinos modestus (valid): Synonym Auriglobus
modestus is used in the Aqualog publication. Fresh Water puffer: inhabits
Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. 11 cm (4.33 inches). This puffer tends
to have the colour from the body extend to the belly. More commonly seen
in the aquaria trade than other Chonerhinos species (except C. silus),
fin nipping, and over grown teeth are common.
Excerpt from Journal follows: DIAGNOSIS: Chonerhinos modestus, attaining at least 106 mm, apparently is the largest species of Chonerhinos and has the deepest caudal peduncle. Depth of caudal peduncle 6.7-7.4 (vs. 7.2-9.9 in all other Chonerhinos). Scales relatively large and close-set, those on the body anteroventral to pectoral fin with spines directed dorsally, as in Xenopterus (vs. spines directly dorsoposteriorly or posteriorly in all other Chonerhinos). Upper and lower lips about equally projecting or lower lip slightly protruding. Exposed portion of eye round. Snout gently sloping. Nasal organ moderately large, its length 14.7-25.3. Dorsal-fin rays 25-28; and anal-fin rays 20-22 (generally fewer in other Chonerhinos).
Note, in this journal Dr. Roberts explains that past reference to C. modestus generally refer to the whole genus of Chonerhinos. After much study and comparison by Dr. Roberts, he has determined the various species and described them completely in this article. Back to Menu
Greenbottle Puffer: Chonerhinos nefastus (valid): Synonym
Auriglobus nefastus is used in the Aqualog publication. Fresh water
puffer: Inhabits Malaysia: Johor, Sg. Kahang. 13 cm (5.11 inches).
Excerpt from Journal follows: New species. DIAGNOSIS. - Chonerhinos nefastus differs from all other species of Chonerhinos in having upper lip usually projecting beyond lower lip; nasal organ relatively small (Table 1); and exposed portion of eyeball usually horizontally oval rather than round or vertically oval. It differs from all other species except C. amabilis in having scales on side of body anterior and ventral to to pectoral fin usually with spines directed posteriorly (Fig. 1e), and from all except C. remotus in its slender caudal peduncle (Table 1). Body usually without distinct color marks except for a slightly darkened spot on dorsal surface of head posterior to eyes. ETYMOLOGY.- Latin nefastus, wicked, abominable, in reference to the food habits (see below).*
Chonerhinos remotus (valid): Synonym Auriglobus
remotus is used in the Aqualog publication. A fresh water puffer,
distribution is Borneo, Sabah, Sg. Malua, Sarawak and northern river basins.
6.5 cm (2.55 inches)
Excerpt from Journal follows: New species. DIAGNOSIS. - Chonerhinos remotus is most similar to C. silus, from which it differs in having a more slender caudal peduncle (Table 1); fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays on the average (Table 2); an even more strongly sloping snout; lower lip almost always projecting beyond upper lip (vs. lower lip slightly projecting or equal to upper lip); and eye vertically oval or round (vs. usually round). Scales anterior and ventral to pectoral fin moderately large and close-set, with spines directed posterodorsally (Fig. 1d). No distinctive color marks except for a well-defined dark blotch on dorsal surface of head posterior to eyes. ETYMOLOGY.- Latin remotus, remote, in reference to the type-locality. Back to Menu
Chonerhinos silus (valid): Synonym Auriglobus silus is used
in the Aqualog publication. Fresh water puffer:
Inhabits Indochina and Indonesia. 8 cm (3.15 inches). A fin nipper as well,
this species will eat another tank mate that is injured or sick without
delay. Also common in the trade, over grown teeth are another maintenance
problem.
Excerpt from Journal follows: New species. DIAGNOSIS. - Chonerhinos silus is most similar to C. remotus and C. modestus. Differences between C. silus and C. remotus are set forth in the diagnosis of C. remotus. It differs from C. modestus in attaining smaller adult size (largest specimen examined 82 mm vs. 106 mm); snout more strongly sloping; lips equally projecting, or lower lip variably protruding, frequently much more so than in C. modestus; scales anterior and ventral to pectoral fin with spines projecting dorsoposteriorly (Fig. 1c) rather than dorsally (Fig. 1b); and caudal peduncle relatively slender, its depth 7.2-8.2 (vs. 6.7-7.4). C. silus tends to have fewer dorsal-, anal-, and pectoral-fin rays than C. modestus (Table 2), but the counts are broadly overlapping and of little help in identifying individual specimens to species. ETYMOLOGY.- Latin silus, pug-nosed. Back to Menu
* Excerpt from Journal follows: FOOD HABITS: Food habits of Chonerhinos, determined by complete or partial examination of gut contents in more than 100 specimens, may be summarized as follows:
C. amabilis feeds almost exclusively on large aquatic insects; C. modestus feeds mainly on terrestrial insects, shrimps, seeds, and to a less extent on whole fish, fin rays, or scales; C. nefastus feeds mainly on fish fin rays and scales, and to a lesser extent on insects (aquatic and terrestrial); C. remotus and C. silus feed mainly on insects (aquatic and terrestrial), but also ingest vegetable matter and other items. No fish remains were found in C. amabilis, C. silus, or excepting a single fish scale in one specimen, C. remotus. Pieces of clam flesh and gills were found in several C. silus, and numerous small, whole clams in a single C. nefastus, but otherwise molluscs were absent.
(There is a more detailed account of the examinations, including one fish had a hairy bit that was thought to be mammalian... crazy, no?)
Sexual dimorphism is unknown in Chonerhinos. Note, in C. remotus genitoanal areas were swollen, thought to be present only in females just before or after spawning, is unique to this one species. Back to Menu
S. American, Colomesus asellus (valid): No noticeable external differences
between the genders. Purported to swim in schools in the wild. Considered
to be a true fresh water puffer. Maximum size cited in literature is 15cm,
but that is perhaps a mistake as most people experience about 8cm (3.15 inches).
Prone to over long teeth and frenetic swimming against the glass fronts, this
species is more difficult to care for than others. Clipping the teeth if over
long is quite difficult on so small a species. Preventative measures of feeding
snails to the puffer in an enclosed net structure may help the puffer find
the snails and eat them, which helps maintain wear on the teeth. This species
is also prone to velvet and ich, so introduction to other fish, or release
of new fish to their environment is strongly advised against. Quarantine for
one month or more before mixing new and old stock. Back to
Menu
Banded Puffer or Parrot Puffer, Colomesus psittacus (valid): No
noticeable external differences between the genders. This puffer gets quite
large, 30cm (11.85 inches). It also absolutely requires higher salinity brackish
water, and in nature spends time in full marine environments. Inhabits Western
Atlantic from the Gulf of Paria to the Amazon. A more peaceful puffer than
most, large aquariums and thorough filtration are required due to size. Back
to Menu
Marilyna darwinii (valid): Heavier brackish to marine. N. Australia
to S. New Guinea. 17 cm (6.69 inches) Appearance is much more like the
Takifugu species. Back to Menu
Merauke toadfish, Marilyna meraukensis (valid): Heavier brackish
to marine. N. Australia to S. New Guinea. 17 cm (6.69 inches) Photographs
viewed show this species as spotted. Appearance is much more like the Takifugu
species. Back to Menu
Marilyna pleurosticta (valid): Heavier brackish to marine. Queensland,
Australia. Largest specimen recorded at 15 cm (5.9 inches) Appearance is
much more like the Takifugu species. Back to Menu
Fugu, Takifugu ocellatus (valid): Inhabits South Eastern China,
most commonly found Takifugu species in LFS. Lives along the coast and
in the lower reaches of rivers. 15 cm (5.9 inches) is the maximum size
cited in literature. FW, brackish & marine, No noticeable external
differences between the genders. Can be jumpy in a tank, often do not
adjust well. Takifugu ocellatus, photo courtesy of J. Moss. Burying
themselves in the sand is typical of this species, for camouflage and
the burst of speed for a kill strike of their prey. Back
to Menu
Zebra Puffer, Lattice blaasop, Takifugu oblongus (valid): Distribution:
from the east coast of South Africa across Indonesia to Australia. Lives
in shallow coastal waters and mangrove zones. 40 cm (15.75 inches). Appears
to be the species sold as Zebra Puffer, the markings are remarkably like
a Milk Spotted puffer (C. patoca) but has more defined and narrower band
marks vertically. This species swims constantly, but will bury in the sand
substrate. They will hunt other fish in the aquarium. As juveniles, they
may do well in FW, but heavy brackish & marine are required as they
mature. No noticeable external differences between the genders. Back
to Menu
Takifugu obscurus (valid): Eastern and Southern parts of
the Chinese sea and the Yangtse River. 40 cm (15.75 inches). Requires heavy
brackish to marine salinity, No noticeable external differences between
the genders. Back to Menu
Torafugu, Takifugu rubripes (valid): Coasts of China and Japan, 70
cm (27.55 inches), heavy brackish & marine, No noticeable external differences
between the genders. This is the typical puffer used for sushi. They get
quite large and have been known to remove tips of fingers belonging to the
chefs who are trying to prepare them. Back to Menu
Tetraodon abei (valid): 10 cm (3.93 inches) cited in literature,
though I have seen larger specimens kept by a hobbyist. Body shape like
a T. leiurus, but is defined separately by the colouration. The entire
dorsolateral surface of the body is dark, with light spots uniformly distributed.
The ocellation on the caudal peduncle becomes indistinguishable from the
other spots with age. Occurs in the Meklong and Chao Phraya basins, and
from the middle and lower Mekong basin. The only other freshwater puffer
from the Meklong and Chao Phraya basins is the T. leiurus, which
is far more numerous in occurrence. Etymology: Dr. Tyson Roberts named this
fish after a lifelong student of pufferfishes, the late Dr. Tokiharu Abe
(1911-1996). Back to Menu
Tetraodon baileyi (valid): 12 cm (4.72 inches) cited in literature,
though specimens viewed at the Steinhart Collection were massive, some reaching
11 inches. A substantial fish and very rotund. Noticeable fringes from the
body. This epidermal cirri and the lack of scales entirely are unique and
thought to be perhaps a specialization and linked. Known only from the Mekong
basin in Thailand and Laos. Occurs in rocky habitats including rapids. In
life, their bellies are yellow-orange. Back to Menu
Tetraodon barbatus (valid): Close cousin to T. leiurus, but emerald
green. Every specimen, including juveniles, examined had three close-set
but distinct black marks, a large median spot and two smaller lateral spots.
A rare species, found only in the middle and lower regions of the Mekong
basin in habitats with swift currents including rapids. Back
to Menu
Figure 8, Tetraodon biocellatus (valid), sometimes seen labeled
T. steindachneri: Brackish water species. No noticeable external differences
between the genders. One of the most common puffers available in fish stores.
Quite charming, my very first puffers were this species. 6 cm (2.36 inches)
Back to Menu
Avocado, Common Puffer, Tetraodon cutcutia (valid): Fresh water species
that occasionally enters brackish waters. 9.5 cm (3.74 inches) No noticeable
external differences between the genders. Tends to remain on the substrate,
largely inactive. Will attack other fish kept in the tank. Back
to Menu
Stanley Pool Puffer, Tetraodon duboisi (valid):Central Africa:
Leopoldville, Stanley Pool (Malebo Pool) and the Congo River. 9 cm (3.54
inches) No noticeable external differences between the genders. Designed
to eat fish. I would greatly appreciate a photos other than the Axelrod
with rights to use on this site. Please email me with available photos
and the preferred credits for the photo. Reported to be similar to the
T. miurus in habits. It is a piscivore, and will demolish other
fish in the tank. It is aggressive towards other puffers, regardless of
the species. Back to Menu
Red Lined Puffer or Red-striped toadfish, Tetraodon erythrotaenia (valid):
Dorsal-fin rays: 9-11, Anal-fin rays 8-9. Sides with a single or double
longitudinal band (red in life) separating a uniformly dark dorsal region
from a whitish ventral region. Distribution: Java, Sulawesi, Moluccas, New
Guinea. Prefers mangrove habitat. 8.5 cm (3.35 inches) Back
to Menu
Tetraodon fluviatilis (valid): India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar,
Borneo. Lives in slow moving rivers and estuaries. Brackish water puffer.
20 cm (7.87 inches) or more. No noticeable external differences between
the genders. I believe this to be the “Ceylon” after viewing
specimens in the Steinhart's collection room. A much larger fish than
the Green Spotted or Figure Eight, with large bands horizontally across
the dorsal region, usually gold or ochre against an olive background.
Spots on sides extend towards the belly. Back to Menu
Tetraodon kloh: I am not sure if this is a synonym for another species.
I viewed the specimen at the Steinhart. Group 241, CAS 96784. From SE
Asia. Burma, Tenasserim Basin. Back to Menu
Tetraodon kretamensis (valid): Has prickles that stand away from the
body when puffed. Cream coloured with brown or black spots. Often there
is a V or Y shaped marking behind the eyes on the back of the fish. (Dorsal
rays 11-13, anal rays 10). Distribution: N. Borneo. Back
to Menu
Target, Tetraodon leiurus variation: brevirostre (valid),
AKA T. fangi (invalid): No noticeable external differences
between the genders. Individual communities of these fish vary fairly
drastically in appearance. The T. leiurus (proper, not the brevirostre
variation) seem to be a longer snout that turns upwards like a T. suvatti
or T. miurus. See also T. barbata (ne' barbatus) for a close cousin to
this species. (Dorsal rays 13-15, anal rays 10-12) Fresh water puffer.
Other synonyms or possible variations or phases are:
Tetraodon camodgiensis: Almost indistinguishable from the T. leiurus species by visual methods, though most photographs show a rather large caudal ocellation. 16 cm (6.3 inches)
Tetraodon cochinchinesis: Almost indistinguishable from the T. leiurus species by visual methods, though most photographs show a rather large caudal ocellation. Seems to have a shorter snout than the T. cambodgiensis. Aqualog publication shows this to be synonymous with the T. leiurus brevirostre. 7 cm (2.76 inches)
Tetraodon turgidus: Appears from photographs to have more background colour in-between each spot, and a very small caudal ocellation. Most photographs show a white belly with no markings. 15 cm (5.91 inches)
Photo courtesy of K.R. Baker, who is a fellow enthusiast. He has been experimenting with breeding the T. leiurus. He has had success keeping a number of individuals in one tank, but I caution that they were young when placed together, and that helps with the tolerance level. One of the females lays eggs fairly frequently, but the eggs tend to get fungus, or never hatch. Kevin is experimenting with peat, softer water and low pH, since these puffs originate from peat swamps in Asia. The puffers court, and clear a section of gravel into a hollow where the eggs are laid. We have talked about using a peat diver tank like Killifish breeders, hoping perhaps the milt will have a chance to fertilise the eggs with the current interrupted by the partition. The next battle will be feeding the fry properly!
I find this species to be hardy, and very tolerant of a broad range of water parameters. I also have noticed a definite bad reaction to bright lights. This is probably due to their natural habitat, which with a peat swamp, would be dark water, with lots of tannin etc. blocking the light source. They see very well in the dark, as midnight trips to the fridge for water have testified. They see me pass by the tanks even in pitch dark. Back to Menu
Fahaka, Tetraodon lineatus (valid): Africa and the Rivers Nile,
Volta, Gambia, Geba and Senegal, and Lake Turkana. Fresh water puffer
that will tolerate light brackish easily. 43 cm (16.92 inches). No noticeable
external differences between the genders. Have been known to break glass
tanks. Extremely aggressive, other fish and other puffers including it's
own species will be killed or at least maimed. Some keepers report this
species as attacking them as they clean the tank, or when attempting to
feed. Juveniles have been kept together, but I would not recommend that
arrangement. This puffer can swim very fast, with incredible bursts of
speed and precise turns. I started early with handling the puffer, cradling
it in my hand as I fed it. My individual does not attack my hands as I
work in the tank. I always keep an eye on him though, you never know.
See more pictures of my Fahaka on the Denizens page. Back to Menu
Tetraodon mbu (valid): No noticeable external differences between
the genders. Freshwater puffer, really. Truly. This is a massive fish.
75 cm (29.52 inches). Please do not try to keep one if you are not prepared
to invest in a 200 gallon (at the least) tank, expensive and massive filtration,
and a hefty food bill. It is a shame that magnificent fish like this get
cramped into tiny tanks and never get to grow out to their true size,
dying before they get the chance. I also have concerns about exportation
from the Congo region, the wildlife in that area is very hard pressed
by humans, and the ongoing skirmishes. It is very hard to get an in depth
study of threatened species in the area, but if the cichlids are any sort
of gauge, no doubt this fish is also in trouble in its natural habitat.
Most of the focus has been on primates; hopefully some data about fish
and river wildlife will emerge soon.
Photos courtesy of Tetraodon, another fellow enthusiast. Back to Menu
Tetraodon miurus (valid): Africa: Congo basin. 15 cm (5.9 inches)
A piscivore, this species will eat any other fish in the tank. Tends to
bury in substrate and attack from below. Extremely clean water parameters
are suggested. No noticeable external differences between the genders.
Not comfortable in brackish. Back to Menu
Green Spotted, Tetraodon nigroviridis (valid), T. nigrifilis: Indonesia,
Indochina, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka. 14 cm
(5.51 inches) Brackish to marine salinity. Quite possibly the most common
puffer sold in Fish Stores, with the Figure 8 as a close second. No noticeable
external differences between the genders. For many years a perpetuated mistake
called this fish T. fluviatilis. It is indeed quite the different
fish! As they mature, a marine environment is appreciated. Back
to Menu
Tetraodon palembangensis (valid): Thailand, Indochina, Malaysia,
Borneo. 21 cm (8.27 inches) No noticeable external differences between
the genders. Recently spawned in captivity successfully. Brood care is
performed by the male. This is the same body style as the T. suvattii,
is found in the same areas as T. leiurus, and is often sold as “Black
River Puffer”. It is noticeably different from both species with
ocellated spots, from 1 to 3 on the caudal peduncle, and a reticulated
pattern that reaches well around the belly. The colouration varies, specimens
I viewed and owned were crimson, orange, brown and cream coloured. The
eyes are red. (Dorsal rays 12-14, anal rays 10-12) See my “mystery
Puff”on Denizens page for a bio. This
species has been mistakenly perpetuated as a Figure 8 since an error by
an author many years ago. After research at the Steinhart Aquarium's Ichthyology
Department, the reference materials provided by Maurice Kottelat clearly
indicate the fish I had, and not a Figure 8. This fish is being seen in
for sale more regularly now. Back to Menu
Tetraodon pustulatus (valid): Has the appearance of a blaasop or Takifugu
species. Extremely short nosed, colour could not be determined from the
specimen in alcohol I viewed. Photographs from Aqualog publication show
a red colour. Some individual show lines like a T. lineatus, but
with spots inside the lines. 36 cm (14.17 inches). Distribution: Africa:
Cameroon, Cross River near Mamfe. Back to Menu
Tetraodon sabahensis (valid): The specimen I viewed was rather like
a T. leiurus with very large bug eyes. (Dorsal rays 13-15, anal rays 11-12).
Distribution: N. Borneo. 14 cm (5.51 inches) Back to Menu
Leopard, Tetraodon schoutedeni (valid): No noticeable external
differences between the genders. Truly freshwater puffers, originating
from the Congo River system in Africa. Very similar to the T. nigroviridis,
a careful study is required to correctly identify this fish. 9 cm (3.54
inches) Back to Menu
Arrowhead, Tetraodon suvattii (valid): No noticeable external differences
between the genders. Designed to eat fish. Not recommended in a tank with
fish you value. Occurs only in the Mekong basin of Thailand and Laos,
in the mainstream and larger tributaries in places with muddy or rocky
(as opposed to sandy) substrate, but not in the rapids like some of the
other Mekong basin puffers. It resembles the T. miurus of African origin,
but the resemblance has not yet been tested for a hypothesis of relationship.
15 cm (5.9 inches) Though I have personally seen individuals as large
as 11 inches. Recently bred in captivity, if this species is given plenty
of territory and hiding spots, a group may be kept. Watch closely the
individuals in a Fish Shop's tank, some will be aggressive towards the
other fish. Chose healthy individuals that appear to be peaceful towards
each other if you attempt a group. Back to Menu
Tetraodon waandersii (valid): (Dorsal rays 12, anal rays 11) Sides
with about 35 dark vertical bars on upper part; back dark; 16 pectoral
rays; nasal organ with 5 flaps. Distribution: Bangka. Known only from
the holotype collected collected in 1853 in Marawang, Bangka. That specimen
was 3.5 cm (1.38 inches) Back to Menu
Bronze Puffer, Xenopterus naritus (valid): As an adult, it is found
in points offshore in the Gulf of India. Require marine conditions as
an adult. Original notes of fresh water appearances are thought to be
confusion between this species and the Chonerhinos genus.* Current research
shows no indication of specimens located in freshwater. (Tyson R. Roberts)
No noticeable external differences between the genders. Though they may
be small when you get them, they will decimate anything else in their
tank. Very like the Chonerhinos genus, the main difference is the habitat
(marine/estuary), number of fin rays (Dorsal rays 35-36, anal rays 28-29),
and the overall grow out size being far larger than Chonerhinos. 28 cm
(11.02 inches)..
*Excerpt from Journal follows: Xenopterus, so far as I have been able to determine, is marine or estuarine. There so not seem to be any museum specimens of Xenopterus with any locality data from fresh water, and statements in the literature that Xenopterus occurs in fresh water (e.g. Cantor 1850:384; Weber and de Beaufort 1962:373) appear to be based at least partly on misinformation or confusion with Chonerhinos. T.R. Roberts (See bibliography for journal click here)
I have gotten information from many sources, probably too many to list. Besides the books listed on the Compilation of Data page, here are some of them:
FishBase http://www.fishbase.org
The kind people in the Steinhart Aquarium's Ichthyology Department, especially Dave Catania for allowing us to view numerous specimens, and spending time with us for a day.
The Freshwater Fishes of Western Borneo (Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia), By Tyson Roberts
Journal, Ichthyological Research: Freshwater fugu or pufferfish of the genus Tetraodon from the Mekong basin, with descriptions of two new species., By Tyson R. Roberts (Received 23 May 1997; in revised form 10 January 1998, accepted 20 January 1998)
Freshwater Fishes of Western Indonesia and Sulawesi, Maurice Kottelat and Anthony J. Whitten, with Sri Nurani Kartikasari and Soetikno Wirjoatmodjo. Hard cover book, published by Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd., Copyright 1993. ISBN 0-945971-60-5
Fishes of the Cambodian Mekong, FAO, ISBN-92-5-103743-4
Ichthyological Explorations of Freshwaters, Maurice Kottelat.
Journal Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 1-16, 10 figs, June 15, 1982, Proceeding of the California Academy of Sciences, “The Southeast Asian Freshwater Pufferfish Genus Chonerhinos (Tetraodontidae), with Descriptions of New Species”, by Tyson R. Roberts.