Congo puffer

Tetraodon miurus

High eyes and an upturned mouth; red is a changeable appearance, not another species

A short broad body, high eyes and upward-facing mouth suit burial and ambush. Grey, black and olive-mottled appearances belong to the same species.

Adult length: Up to 15 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–28 °C
pH: 6.8–7.5
Hardness: 10–15 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits large rivers, sometimes in rapids.

Even conspecifics are not safe. Small fish may be swallowed and larger companions bitten.

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Appearance and identification

A Congo-basin freshwater predator resembling the Asian Pao suvattii. The latter has a dorsal V marking; use markings and provenance together rather than identifying every red sand-burying puffer by colour.

Social behaviour and territory

Plan solitary housing.

Compatibility limits

Not a schooling or community fish.

Space requirements

Supply fine sand for burial, smooth cover and clean water. Allow a 75 × 30 cm base and 2–3 inches of sand.

Aquarium environment

Preserve an open burial area.

Diet and feeding

Offer varied suitably sized shrimp, earthworms and other live or frozen meaty foods. Transition carefully; exclusive live-fish feeding is not required.

Sources