Fahaka puffer

Tetraodon lineatus

Golden longitudinal stripes, substantial adult space and a powerful bite

A robust adult with a broad head and pale yellow stripes on dark brown flanks; the tail is often yellowish.

Adult length: Up to 43 cm
Water temperature: 24–26 °C
Lifespan: Up to 5.9 years
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits large rivers, including open water, plant beds and vegetated margins.

A powerful, biting fish unsuitable for a community.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

Fahaka and Nile puffer refer to this species. Longitudinal stripes distinguish it from the separate round spots of T. schoutedeni, which is much smaller.

Social behaviour and territory

Plan solitary housing. Captive-bred juveniles may live together at 2–6 cm, but this does not carry over to adults.

Compatibility limits

Other fish, invertebrates and conspecifics may be bitten.

Space requirements

Plan dedicated adult housing with open swimming and turning room plus smooth cover. Juvenile sale length does not define lifelong space.

Aquarium environment

Foraging can leave bite marks on leaves.

Diet and feeding

Include appropriate snails and shelled invertebrates with varied suitable live or frozen foods. Monitor the growing beak and feeding ability.

Sources