July 2011 Fish of Month -- Tetraodon MBU Puffer

my fish of the month is one of my all time favorites after my Pirayas of course! LOL
Most people purchase a small 4in mbu puffer only to find a new home when they outgrow their meager tanks! I love these fish because of the personality of this fish. Since they must be maintained in a tank by them selves... they really adapt and associate their keeper in a new dimension. they will even eat snails from your fingers, and i have seen some able to pet their mbu when they come to the top... but again, i have seen some that will bite you every chance they get, lol.....



The Mbu puffer, giant puffer, or giant freshwater puffer, Tetraodon mbu, is a carnivorous freshwater pufferfish originating from the middle and lower sections of the Congo river in Africa, as well as the east coast of Lake Tanganyika near the Malagarasi River mouth.

The species is commonly referred to as the giant freshwater pufferfish due to its massive size, growing to a length of 67 cm (26 inches). As such, these fish are difficult to adequately house in captivity since they require a very large aquarium and appropriately scaled water filtration.

Like all of its relatives, the Mbu puffer is capable of inflating itself with water or air when stressed or otherwise frightened. It feeds on smaller fish, mollusks and crustaceans. Species kept in captivity require a varied diet consisting of crunchy foods to help ensure good health and to prevent tooth overgrowth.



Species name: Tetraodon mbu

Synonym: Tetrodon mbu

Common Names: Fresh water puffer fish, Mbu Puffer, Giant Puffer

Family: Tetraodontidae

Order: Tetraodontiformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Max. size: 67 cm / 26 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Africa. Widely distributed in Lake Tanganyika and the Congo basin.

Temperament: very aggressive.

Company: Best kept alone.

Water parameters: pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 24 - 26°C / 75 - 79° F

Awesome Video from ThatPetPlace with care instructions.....






thanks to The Puffer Forum, wiklepedia, and badmans troprical fish and that fish place...
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that is a cool fish, thanks for sharing

Very informatve article!! Thanks for sharing with us!!

Nicely done Cajun. Thankyou for the info on these.

Wow. That is really cool. Looks like it could do some seriouse damage.

They have the teeth of some of the rednecks I used to live with! lol

Man I would hate to be in the water with that thing. You know its big when the back ground is a tarp. Very informative, good job!

The one pic he looks mean and hungry the other one he is like smiling . LOL

I keep mine in an outside tank.
He's approx. 9 inches!! Cool fish to keep!!

What large TEETH you have Mr. Puffer!!

I used to love these fish, they are so amazing but I had no luck with the smaller ones. I refuse to get one and have it die on me. But they are so amazing and dramatic. I never knew there was one that gets that big for freshwater. Thanks for the video.