Borneo Gold Puffer

Auriglobus modestus is one of three closely related golden puffers in the genus Auriglobus, native to lowland rivers of Borneo. Its most immediately striking feature is a uniform metallic-golden body with minimal patterning, contrasting sharply with the complex-patterned Tetraodon relatives. It is a mid-water active predator, more mobile than most puffers, swimming in open water with confidence. The aquarium should provide open swimming space as well as dense planting along the perimeter for retreating. Water must be clean and slightly soft to neutral. Tankmates, if attempted, must be fast-swimming and large enough to avoid predation. Beak maintenance through hard-shelled prey is important. Its smoother body lacks spines, making it less prone to inflation injury.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, soft to moderate; clean, well-filtered; avoid high nitrates. Tank: 100 L minimum per specimen; open swimming space with planted borders; smooth substrate. Feeding: Snails, mussels, frozen shrimp, clam; rotate variety; hard items at least twice weekly. Breeding: Not documented in captivity; seasonal in the wild linked to Bornean wet season. Compatibility: Aggressive toward similar-sized fish; keep alone or with very large, robust fast species only.