Care
The Fahaka Puffer is an extremely aggressive and large-growing member of the Tetraodon genus. Its fast growing nature and large adult size dictates that this formidable predator requires an aquarium of huge proportions, with corresponding powerful filtration. A Fahaka Puffer will not tolerate any other fish within the confines of the same aquarium, so each individual must be maintained as a solitary specimen in a species-only aquarium. It is not unknown for these fierce creatures to 'go for' fish that can be seen in neighbouring tanks, and there are many reports of serious injuries to fishkeepers when carrying out routine maintenance on their Fahaka Puffer tank. Many prefer to section off areas of the tank with a special tank divider as they are working on each section, to avoid accidentally provoking the puffer, which sees anything that moves as food. The tank itself should be aquascaped with plenty of shady hiding spots amongst rocky caves, and lighting should not be too bright. The substrate should be smooth because of the length of time the puffer will spend laying on it, particularly after a large meal. When it comes to feeding time, add food with caution and never place the hands directly in the tank to offer up the food. Dropping it in from a height of several inches is best. As these voracious predators can consume a lot of food in one sitting, ensure that powerful filtration and aeration is used to cope with the metabolic rate. Regular partial water changes should be carried out on a frequent basis. It is best to either locate the heater in a sump, or use a thermo-filter (filter with built in heater) as these fish can, and will, bite through them with ease. As with other puffer species, this fish can inflate when frightened or cornered. It should never be provoked into doing so, and never above water where it can take on air, which can prove fatal. If moving a Fahaka Puffer to larger quarters, the fish should be herded into a solid container under the water so as to remove the necessity of netting and lifting it clear of the water. Please remember that pufferfish can vary in temperament, and there may be exceptions to the expected behaviour of the species. May also be seen on sale as the Nile Puffer.Feeding
Meaty frozen food such as cockles, cockle-in-shell, mussels, krill, prawns, crayfish tails, crab legs etc. Will eat snails. Hard-shelled foods should be offered on a regular basis in order to keep the beak worn down.Breeding
Aquarium breedings of the Fahaka Puffer have occurred, but they are very rare, because of the general intolerance of their own kind. Problems also arise when rearing the fry, as their 'mean streak' surfaces early and the strongest pick off the weak with ease.
| Synonyms | Tetraodon lineatus lineatus, Tetraodon fahaka, Tetraodon fahaka fahaka, Tetraodon strigosus |
| Distribution | Africa: Nile, Chad basin, Niger, Volta, Gambia, Geba and Senegal Rivers and Lake Turkana. |
| Maximum Size | 45cm (17.7") |
| Temperature | 24-26°C |
| Water Parameters | Freshwater. Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 7.0-8.0, dH: up to 20 degrees. |
| Compatibility | Non-community |
| Lighting | No special requirements |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Unknown |
| Feeding | Frozen and live foods |