Green pufferfish - Tetraodon nigroviridis

Scientific name: Tetraodon nigroviridis

Common name: Green pufferfish

Family: Tetraodontidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 17 cm (3.94 - 6.69 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 18°N (214.29 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South Asia

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Origin

The Green Pufferfish (Tetraodon nigroviridis) is native to coastal regions of Southeast Asia, specifically found in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These fish inhabit brackish estuaries, rivers, and coastal waters where freshwater and saltwater mix. As juveniles, they can thrive in freshwater environments, but as they mature, their need for brackish water increases. Some adult specimens may even prefer full marine conditions, depending on their individual needs. It’s important to monitor their behavior and gradually adjust the salinity of their tank to meet their requirements.

Short Description

The Green Pufferfish is a unique and captivating species to keep, but it does require specific care, especially as it matures. While juveniles can tolerate freshwater, they must be transitioned to brackish water and possibly even marine water as they grow older. These changes should be done gradually to avoid stress. Green Pufferfish are highly territorial and need ample space—each specimen should have at least 30 gallons (~136 liters, 36 US gallons) of water. They are also messy eaters, which means a strong filtration system is essential to maintain water quality. Additionally, they require hard foods like snails to wear down their continuously growing teeth. Without access to hard foods, their teeth can grow too long, leading to feeding difficulties.

Food and Feeding

Green Pufferfish are carnivorous and feed primarily on crustaceans, worms, snails, and krill. In the wild, they often prey on hard-shelled creatures, which help keep their teeth from overgrowing. In captivity, it's important to replicate this diet by providing hard-shelled foods like brine shrimp and Ramshorn snails. Ramshorn snails, in particular, are an excellent source of calcium and offer the necessary resistance to grind down the puffer’s teeth. It’s recommended to feed small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than two large meals, as this prevents overeating and digestive problems. Ensure that they are offered a variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs and reduce aggressive behavior.

Sexing

There are no easily distinguishable external features between male and female Green Pufferfish, making sexing difficult. Currently, there is no reliable way to differentiate males from females based on appearance alone.

Breeding

Breeding Green Pufferfish in captivity is possible but challenging due to their specific requirements and the high mortality rate of fry. When breeding occurs, the female lays her eggs on a hard surface like a rock or a secluded area of the aquarium. The male will guard the eggs by using his body to shield them from potential threats. The eggs hatch in approximately one week, and the fry can be fed on small live foods such as brine shrimp or microworms. As the fry grow, they can be introduced to small snails, such as baby Ramshorn snails, to support their development. The survival rate of fry can be low, so breeding success may require significant care and experience.

Lifespan

The Green Pufferfish can live for up to 15 years when provided with proper care, including high water quality, a nutritious and balanced diet, and a suitable habitat. Regular water changes, a strong filtration system, and monitoring of their dental health are essential to ensuring their long-term well-being.