Mbu puffer

Tetraodon mbu

Fine maze markings and a long body demand adult housing planned in advance

Dense interconnected dark labyrinths cover a yellow-olive body, above a yellower underside and broad tail.

Adult length: Up to 67 cm
Water temperature: 24–26 °C
pH: 7–8
Hardness: 10–25 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits large rivers and lakes, with records also from estuaries.

Adults reach many tens of centimetres. Powerful biting; plan turning space, food supply and filtration before buying a juvenile.

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Appearance and identification

A large puffer recorded in the Congo system and Lake Tanganyika. Similar T. pustulatus requires combined pattern and provenance checks. Juveniles do not look like the spotted T. schoutedeni or striped T. lineatus.

Social behaviour and territory

Plan solitary housing. Accidental feeding bites to established companions occur; earlier coexistence does not guarantee permanent compatibility.

Compatibility limits

Fish, shrimp, snails and conspecifics are not safe.

Space requirements

Plan dedicated adult housing with a long swimming lane, ample turning width and stable filtration. Plan 240 × 90 × 90 cm for an adult.

Aquarium environment

Plants may be used around open swimming space, but foraging bites occur.

Diet and feeding

Include appropriate shelled snails, molluscs and crustaceans in a varied diet and monitor the beak. Remove substantial leftovers.

Sources