Edit Tetraodon pustulatus
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Name
Scientific name
Tetraodon pustulatus
Described by
Authority Murray, Year 1857
Family
Tetraodontidae
Common names
Cross River Pufferfish
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
The Cross River pufferfish, Tetraodon pustulatus, is a puffer endemic to the Cross River basin of Nigeria and Cameroon. It lives in the mod…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
300mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5
Hardness
5–26dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Cameroon, Nigeria, Cross River basin
Writing
Etymology
Tetraodon: Greek. tetra, meaning four and odous, meaning teeth. In reference to the four tooth of which the beak is composed. pustulatus: Latin. The past parti…
Distribution
Endemic to the Cross River basin of Nigeria and Cameroon, though virtually all aquarium specimens are caught in Cameroon and exported via Nigeria.
Habitat
The Cross River Pufferfish can be found in the moderately fast flowing main channels of the river, though it is unfussy about the microhabitats in which it can…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 150 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm should be considered the bare minimum for such an active, cosmopolitan fish. For long term care aim for so…
Maintenance
Due to the inquisitive nature of this species, the aquarium should be well decorated with bogwood, rocks and other forms of enrichment, though plenty of swimmi…
Water conditions
Temperature: 20 °C - 28 °C pH: 6.5 - 7.5 Hardness: 5 dGH - 26 dGH Due to the weakly euryhaline nature of Tetraodon pustulatus, low salinity conditions can be t…
Diet
In nature, the Cross River Puffer should be considered primarily a molluscivore, though they also show opportunistic tendencies. Much of the natural diet is co…
Behaviour and compatibility
As a predator of mainly slow/sessile organisms, the Cross River Pufferfish can be considered a community fish, provided tank mates are chosen carefully. Signif…
Sexual dimorphism
No obvious signs of sexual dimorphism have been noted.
Reproduction
This species has not been reproduced in captivity, but presumably not dissimilar to Tetraodon mbu.
Notes
Recent evaluations by the IUCN have revealed this species to be endangered. Large areas of the Cross River are subject to habitat degradation and pollution. Du…
References
References
2 on this profile