Congo Puffer

Tetraodon miurus from the Congo River basin earns its 'Potato Puffer' nickname from its stocky, rounded body. It is a specialist ambush predator that buries entirely in sand substrate, exposing only its upward-facing eyes and mouth. Any fish passing overhead becomes a potential target. Feeding can be challenging as it prefers live prey and may refuse dead food initially.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; fine sandy substrate of at least 8 cm depth is essential. Tank: Minimum 150 L; deep fine sand for burying behaviour, minimal other decor. Feeding: Live feeder fish initially for conditioning; transition to dead fish, prawns, and earthworms over time. Behaviour: Extreme ambush predator; completely buries in substrate — will strike at anything passing overhead. Compatibility: Solo species-only; absolutely no tankmates; use long tongs for feeding.