Giant puffer fish - Tetraodon mbu

Scientific name: Tetraodon mbu

Common name: Giant puffer fish

Family: Tetraodontidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 60 - 73 cm (23.62 - 28.74 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.6 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 12°N (142.86 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

Tetraodon mbu, commonly known as the Giant Pufferfish or Mbu Puffer, originates from Central Africa. It inhabits large freshwater rivers and lakes including the Congo River basin, Lake Tanganyika, and waterways in countries such as the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Cameroon.

Short Description

The Mbu Puffer is one of the largest freshwater pufferfish in the aquarium trade, capable of reaching up to 30 inches (76 cm) in the wild, although specimens in captivity more commonly grow to about 24–28 inches (61–71 cm). They have a unique ability to inflate their bodies by swallowing water or air when threatened. They can also blink thanks to their functioning eyelids—a rare trait among fish species. Their bodies display beautiful brown labyrinth-like markings over a yellow or ivory base.

Despite their appearance, Giant Puffers are highly territorial and aggressive. They possess a powerful beak formed by fused teeth used to crush hard-shelled prey. Like all pufferfish, they produce tetrodotoxin—a potent neurotoxin—so they should be handled with care. Their large size and demanding requirements make them more suitable for public aquariums or highly experienced hobbyists with ample space.

Lifespan

If provided with optimal care, the Mbu Puffer can live up to 10 years or longer in captivity.

General Care

Due to their massive adult size, these puffers require a tank of at least 240 cm (8 feet) in length and 90 cm (3 feet) in width. Juveniles are often sold in pet stores, but they quickly outgrow smaller tanks. A sand substrate is ideal, and while rocks and driftwood can be used for decoration, be sure to leave plenty of open swimming space. Live plants may be added, but they risk being nibbled or uprooted.

Maintain water parameters within a temperature range of 24–27 °C (75–81 °F), pH between 6.6–7.3, and dGH between 8–12°N (143–214 ppm). Provide strong filtration to handle the significant bio-load, and perform weekly water changes of at least 10%. Due to their aggressive nature, they are best housed alone.

Feeding

The Mbu Puffer has a voracious appetite and must be fed a varied, protein-rich diet. Their beak grows continuously, so shell-on food is essential to prevent overgrowth. Ideal food items include:

Hard-shelled snails and mollusks
Crabs, crayfish, and crab legs
Chopped earthworms
Prawns (shell-on when possible)

Remove any uneaten food promptly to maintain high water quality.

Sexing

There are no visually distinct differences between males and females.

Breeding

There are no verified reports of Tetraodon mbu breeding successfully in captivity, largely due to their large size and space requirements. In the wild, males are known to construct circular pits in the sand where they court females for spawning. After the eggs are deposited and fertilized, the female leaves and the male performs all parental care.