FishProfiles.com Message Forums

This week's Rare Fish of the Week is a new one that I've just recently been introduced to... I actually haven't seen this fish for sale, so I don't know a price...:%)

RFotW #7 -- Tetraodon pustulatus



This is one for the Puffer-lovers of the board. This puffer is rarely seen for sale (in fact, I've never seen it for sale). The color design can vary from fahaka-like stripes to dark spots with bright red centers.

Puffers are some of the most interesting fish. These fish are intelligent, active, and look unusual. A true oddball fish. Unfortunately, puffers would be a more perfect fish if they didn't react aggressively to other fish, either in nipping their fins in the case of some small puffers or biting them in two in the case of a Fahaka on a plec.

This is not a dwarf puffer. Though it's no Mbu, this fish can still get over a foot long. However, like most puffers you want to watch out with its tankmates. Obviously, no inverts are safe with those crushing jaws, however this fish is not as ferocious as the Fahaka, as there is some success keeping it with other fish.

This puffer is from the Congo area of the world (specifically the Cross River), much like the other large puffers. Likewise, this fish is purely freshwater, not brackish like some of the other small puffers.

This is where I'd usually leave you with a price... I'm going to venture a guess of around $30-$50 for a small one (around the price of a small Mbu), but I can't be sure without seeing one advertised. :%)

Links:

http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=5142&genusname=Tetraodon&speciesname=pustulatus

http://www.predatoryfish.net/ibforums/index.php?showtopic=72366

Past RFOTW:
1. Polynemus paradiseus -- Paradise threadfin
2. Anableps anableps -- Four-Eyed Fish
3. Hypancistrus zebra -- Zebra Plec
4. Potamotrygon sp. -- Pearl Ray
5. Merodontotus Tigrinus -- Tigrinus Catfish, Zebra Shovelnose
6. Rhinopias aphanes -- Merlet's Scorpionfish, Lacy Scorpionfish

Last edited by Shinigami at 17-Oct-2004 19:45[/font]

--------------------------------------------
The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

that is awsome. If I saw that in my lfs. I would start up a new tank just for him!!!

wow..this is one awsome puffer.
Really nice fish..looking forward to the rare fish of the week 8

---

I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.

Why are all the cool tetraodontids from africa? .

Beautiful fish.

WOW!!!

I now need to find money to buy a tank and that puffer! It is totally awesome! Keep them coming Shini!

Awesome puffer!
Trying to find them is next to impossible though!

This is a recent post at thepufferforum.com on them.

Great find Shini!