Mekong puffer - Tetraodon suvattii

Scientific name: Tetraodon suvattii

Common name: Mekong puffer

Family: Tetraodontidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 12 cm (3.94 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 7 - 20°N (125 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°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: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Only feed this fish every other day. Mekong puffer will accept small feeder fish, ghost shrimps, crayfish, and chopped mussels or cockles.

Origin

Southeast Asia; Mekong puffer is found in the River Mekong Basins.

Sexing

There are no visible differences between the sexes.

Breeding

Mekong puffers are classed as substrate spawners so the addition of flat rocks or slate will increase the chances of a pair spawning. The pair will perform a mating ritual of swimming around each other in circles. When spawning is complete the male will guard the eggs which should hatch after 6-7 days. The fry will need plenty of food to survive, it is best to give them commercial fry food to make sure they get enough vitamins etc.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Tetraodon suvattii is 10 years.

Short description

It is best to keep Tetraodon suvattii in a single species specimen tank. They are highly aggressive and will attack, or even kill, any other tank mates. They produce high waste levels so filtration must be very high, 50% weekly water changes are also required.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.