Kingdom Animalia Class Actinopterygii Family Tetraodontidae | Phylum Chordata Order Tetraodontiformes Genus Dichotomyctere | |
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The green pufferfish (Dichotomyctere fluviatilis, syn. Tetraodon fluviatilis) is a species of pufferfish found in South and Southeast Asia. Its habitat include rivers, estuaries, lakes and flood plains. It lives in fresh water to slightly brackish water.
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Diet
This species is primarily carnivorous, eating mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, and some small fish. In captivity, it will eat some vegetation and commercial fish food. The green pufferfish has a sharp front beak, allowing it to crush shellfish and crabs
Description
The green pufferfish grows up to a length of 17 centimetres (6.7 in), with a white underbelly and a metallic yellow or green top covered in black spots, bulging eyes which are metallic blue colour, and a very thick and broad forehead. Its body usually has a leathery texture, but green pufferfish grown in captivity tend to have smoother skin. Its flesh contains a virulent toxin, and should not be eaten.
Behavior
This fish is generally peaceful, but becomes more aggressive as it ages. The green pufferfish is able to scare off predators by inflating its body with both water and air, more than doubling in size. Most pufferfish have spines, as well, and these generally help ward off predators.