Tetraodon miurus (Potato Pufferfish)

Remarks:  Tetraodon miurus, also known as the potato or Congo puffer, is a unique and fascinating species of freshwater pufferfish. They are found throughout the Congo River Basin in areas with swift currents and a soft sand substrate. Being ambush predators, they use this sand to their advantage, burying in it with only their eyes and mouth being visible. When prey swims close enough, the puffer quickly darts from the sand to grab it. To be better adapted for this hunting style, T. miurus have evolved to have their eyes on the top of their heads like a frog as well as an upturned mouth. Most have a tan or light brown color with flecks of green or black to better blend in with the sand, but the most sought-after puffers are those that display the rare red or orange coloration. These puffers likely come from sections of the rivers that have tannins staining the water a reddish color or clay in the substrate.

  While T. miurus display a charming level of personality and intelligence that draw many to want to keep them, great caution should be used when deciding to get these puffers. They are very territorial and predatory with their sharp beaks being able to cause quite a bit of damage even to fish larger than themselves. This makes it where any tankmates are highly advised against when keeping T. miurus. Even invertebrates such as snails, shrimp, and crayfish are advised against as they are the natural prey of pufferfish whose beaks have developed to crush through their shells. Any other puffers will be seen as competition with interspecies conflicts getting worse as the puffer grows larger. For these reasons, it is best to keep T. miurus alone in their own dedicated aquarium with no other tankmates.

  Keeping T. miurus alone versus in a community setting, however, is not that much of a sacrifice. While they grow to about 5 inches in length, these puffers do not swim very much and are notably hardy. This means that a single T. miurus can be kept in a tank as small as 20 gallons provided water quality is managed properly. To facilitate natural behaviors as well as keep these fish comfortable, a sand bed that is at least 2-3” deep should be considered mandatory. Plants can be a great addition as well since they provide enrichment, hiding spots, and help with water quality. Considering their digging habits, plants that grow on structures rather than in the substrate such as Anubias are a good choice. Sharp décor should also be avoided because T. miurus can harm itself if it gets spooked and darts.

  Like any puffer, T. miurus love and require being fed hard shelled crustaceans and mollusks such as shrimp, crayfish, clams, and snails. Very rarely, a puffer may take to dried/prepared foods, but even if they do, they will still need these fresh foods to keep their ever-growing beaks ground down to a manageable length. Those who keep these fish learn that also like other puffers, T. miurus get very excited for feeding time. They are intelligent enough to quickly learn who their owner is and will excitedly swim to the glass when they spot them. With such a fascinating personality and beautiful coloration, T. miurus make a great species to keep for those with a bit of experience under their belt.