Thai puffer - Tetraodon barbatus

Scientific name: Tetraodon barbatus

Common name: Thai puffer

Family: Tetraodontidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 11 - 14 cm (4.33 - 5.51 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 6.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 15°N (142.86 - 267.86ppm)

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: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Sometimes Thai puffers are given the reputation for being fussy eaters, this is normally because the wrong foods are offered. A varied diet is essential- feed them on mussels, squid, prawns, pond snails and the odd treat of blanched peas.

Origin

South Asia

Sexing

There are no visible differences between the sexes.

Breeding

Thai puffers will spawn more easily in brackish water. Spawning will take place near the bottom of the tank after a ritual dance. The male will guard the nest and the fry should hatch after 6-7 days. When the fry have hatched, the problems will start as it is very difficult to get them to feed, try them on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Tetraodon barbatus is 10 years.

Short description

Thai puffers produce a lot of waste so extra filtration is a must. They are best kept in a species tank as they are known to be hostile to other tank mates.

Pictures

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