11 Different Kinds Of Freshwater Puffer Fish

For experienced aquarium keepers, raising freshwater pufferfish can be a difficult task. A large tank is necessary and you must be able to filter the water quickly. However, we assume you already know this and will compare several varieties to find the one that you prefer.

We were able to gather 11 different species of freshwater pufferfish for you to examine so that you can decide if any are your favorites. We will show you how they look and give you some information about each breed. We’ll talk about aquarium size, filtration, color, and length to help you make an informed purchase.

These are the 11 types of freshwater pufferfish that we will be discussing with you.

1. Congo Puffer

Congo pufferfish are a native of the rivers in Africa, as their name suggests. They can grow up to 6 inches in length and will hide from predators by spending most of their time in the sand at bottom of the aquarium. There are many colors available including red, sand, and black. The Congo can also adapt to their environment, except for blue. They need a large tank because they are sensitive to nitrates. The water must be filtered as well as most pufferfish.

2. Dwarf Puffer

The Dwarf pufferfish can also be known as the Pygmy pufferfish or the Pea pufferfish. It is one of the smallest pufferfishes in the world, and rarely grows more than an inch and a half. Dwarf Puffer is currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and overharvesting. Because of its small size and bright colors, this breed is extremely popular in aquariums. Dwarfs are easier to obtain the right size aquarium with the proper filtration than other breeds.

3. Fahaka Puffer

Fahaka Puffer, one of the largest pufferfish breeds, can grow to 16 inches in size when fully grown. These fish are very aggressive and should only be kept by experienced keepers. A tank that is at least 60 inches in length and has strong filtering capabilities will be required. Dense vegetation will also be needed. They can also bite you in the fingers when they are feeding.

4. Golden Puffer

The Golden Puffer is available in two versions: a light and a dark. The pufferfish’s body is white with yellow dots in the light version. The dark version has a black body with yellow dots. Their bodies are very round with small fins that extend far back. Their skin is covered with small, toothlike projections that look like sandpaper. These projections become more prominent when they puff up. When fully grown, I have seen fish that can grow to almost 20 inches in size.

5. Imitator Puffer

The Imitator puffer, also known as the Dwarf Malabar puffer, is another small pufferfish. Bright yellow is the color of this fish. While the males are brighter than the females, the females have darker spots on their bodies. Even though they are smaller, they still need an aquarium that holds at least 30 gallons.

6. MBU Puffer

MBU Pufferfish, a large pufferfish breed, can grow to 26 inches in length. Because of their large size, these fish can be difficult to keep in an aquarium. We recommend this breed to only experienced pufferfish keepers. MBU pufferfish have an unusual body pattern that can change with age.

7. Ocellated Puffer

One of the rarest breeds is the Ocellated pufferfish. This is a captive-bred fish that can now be found in rivers and streams throughout South Asia. This breed has its own personality and males will protect any eggs with fierce guardianship. They are more peaceful than other types and prefer to be kept in pairs. They can be kept in smaller aquariums than others, requiring only about 20 gallons. You will still need strong filtration.

8. Red-Eyed Puffer

The Red Eyed Puffer is an amalgamation of four pufferfish breeds that share the red eye. This pufferfish breed is more aggressive than others and can be more difficult to keep. These fish are more aggressive than others, so it is best to keep them alone in an aquarium. They rarely exceed 2 inches in length, but they do require a large tank to produce lots of waste. An aquarium should be at least 32 inches in length. You will need plenty of tall, live plants.

9. Puffer of Red-Tailed Dwarf Puffer

Red-Tailed Dwarf pufferfish, a small-sized species that can grow to approximately two inches in size at its largest, is very rare. They prefer slightly acidic water and aquariums that have plenty of live plants. This breed’s males are larger than their females and have darker brown bodies with lighter cream-colored stripes down their lower sides. Smaller females are more mottled brown with uneven markings and shapes. Red eyes and tail fins distinguish males from females.

10. South American Puffer

The South American Puffer is the only pufferfish that can live in groups in nature. It is one of the most difficult fish to keep in an aquarium. This breed is only recommended for experienced enthusiasts. We also recommend that you only purchase one if your tank can accommodate more than one. If properly maintained, their bright yellow and black stripes are striking against the background vegetation.

South American Puffers require a rectangular tank that is at least 47 inches in length. Water must be filtered well and dense plants planted. Because their teeth can overgrow, you will need to feed them hard food. You may also need to trim them manually.

11. Target Puffer

Target Pufferfish can grow up to 6 inches in length and need a tank that is at least 35 inches to be able to support them. Strong filtration is essential. The aquarium should move as much water as possible. Target pufferfish are active at night and are nocturnal predators. You can watch your Target puffer hunt by using moonlight.

Summary

If you can provide the right environment for pufferfish to thrive, it can be very rewarding. Many puffers can grow to be quite large and have personalities that are different from other fish. It can be difficult to find a large tank or filter the water correctly. This is why it is important to plan ahead. Many puffers will last for more than five years. If you are new to pufferfish, we recommend the Dwarf Puffer. A properly raised MBU Puffer will be the talk of your aquarium.

We hope that you enjoyed this guide to freshwater puffer fish, and have discovered some puffers you’d like to raise. Please share this guide on Facebook and Twitter if you found it useful and have learned something new.