Palembang Puffer | Tetraodon steindachneri

Others / Tetraodontidae / Palembang Pufferfish

Profile: Palembang Puffer
Tetraodon steindachneri Synonyms: Crayracion palembangensis, Tetraodon palembangensis, Tetrodon palembangensis
Physical description: A stocky fish with a broad forehead and protruding eyes. The dorsal and anal fins are rounded and located opposite each other. The caudal is fan-shaped. The skin is leathery and covered with small spines. When inflated these spines stick out; rendering the fish un-swallowable. The colors vary based on the age and the habitat of the specimen. The belly is white in color while the upperparts are light to dark gray. The upperparts are covered in various green to yellow patterns, ranging from lines to circles, dots to stripes. Each fish has its own unique pattern. The fins are gray. The iris ranges from yellow to blue in color.
Size/Length: To 4" (10 cm)
Similar species: Other Tetraodon species .
Habitat: In coastal fresh waters-small streams and drainage ditches-in Southeast Asia; Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Indonesia, Sumatra
S: All
Aquarium: A 30" (76 cm) or 20-25 gallon (76-114 L) tank is sufficient. Follow suggestions for T. biocellus.
Water chemistry: pH 6.7-7.7 (7.0), 5-15 dH (10), 73-82°F (23-28°C)
Social behavior: This aggressive species is intolerant of other fish. It may fight with other Puffers and nip at the fins of dissimilar species. Combine with sturdy companions.
Suggested companions: Botia , Barbs, Danios, Gouramis, Asian Catfish, Synodontis.
FOOD: Live; snails, Tubifex, crustaceans, insect larvae, earthworms; occasionally tablets
SEX: Females larger when mature
Breeding techniques: Unsuccessful in captivity, probably similar to T. nigroviridis
Breeding potential: 10. This species has not been bred in captivity
REMARKS: This is a freshwater species that should not be kept in brackish or salt water.

Difficulty of care: 6. This aggressive species requires frequent partial water changes and live foods.