Phylum Chordata Scientific name Tetraodon miurus Rank Species | ||
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Similar Pufferfish, Tetraodon, Fahaka pufferfish, Mbu pufferfish, Pao suvattii | ||
The Congo puffer or potato puffer (Tetraodon miurus) is a freshwater pufferfish found in areas of the Congo River in Africa, including rapids.
Congo puffers grow to about 15 cm long. In the wild, they feed mainly on fish, but in captivity they eat different foods, such as bloodworms and river shrimp. They are inactive fish, spending most of their time buried in sand or other substrate, with the ability to adapt their colouration to hide from potential prey. However, many colour variations are seen within the species, ranging from black to sandy to bright red. It will not change to blue, though, but if in a dark substrate will generally become darker in color.
Like all members of the Tetraodon genus, the Congo puffer is capable of inflating itself with water or air when stressed or otherwise frightened.
In captivity, Congo puffers require large tanks with the temperature between 23 and 26°C. They are sensitive to both nitrites and nitrates, so overfiltration is required. The water pH should be around 7. The lifespan and breeding habits of Congo puffers are unknown.
