Green Puffer

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Tetraodon fluviatilis
• Common Name: Green Puffer
• Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
• Life Expectancy: 10–15 years with proper care
• Habitat: Found in brackish estuaries, coastal rivers, and mangroves of South and Southeast Asia

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons for one adult
• Ideal Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• pH Range: 7.5 – 8.5
• Water Hardness: 8 – 20 dGH
• Temperament: Aggressive and territorial; best kept alone or in species-only setups

Diet & Nutrition

• Carnivorous
• Diet includes snails, mussels, shrimp, crabs, bloodworms

• Needs hard-shelled foods regularly to prevent overgrown teeth

Breeding & Spawning

• Rarely bred in captivity
• Requires brackish to marine conditions for breeding
• Little success recorded in home aquariums

• Males can become very aggressive during breeding behavior

Appearance

• Bright green body with black speckled pattern
• Pale yellow-white underside
• Large eyes and beak-like fused teeth
• Oval, puffable body

• Highly expressive and intelligent-looking

Distinctive Features

• Bright green coloration with leopard-like spots
• Ability to inflate as a defense mechanism
• Curious and intelligent behavior

• Requires brackish water as it matures