Fahaka Puffer
Tetraodon lineatus
Origin: Nile and West Africa
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 45 cm
- Min Tank
- 300 L
- Lifespan
- 10–15
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- carnivore
- Temperament
- Extremely aggressive; species only
About
Tetraodon lineatus, the Fahaka Puffer, is a large, solitary freshwater puffer from the Nile and other West African river systems. It reaches 45 cm and is highly aggressive — even goldfish cannot be housed with it. Famous for its vivid horizontal gold-and-brown striped pattern and intense personality. Requires a large tank, meaty hard-shelled foods to wear its teeth down, and expert care. One of the most fascinating but demanding freshwater fish in the hobby. Strictly one per tank.
Care Guide
Single specimen in 300+ L tank. Temperature 24–28 °C. Hard, neutral water. Feed snails, mussels, crayfish, frozen shrimp. No tankmates — will attack and kill. Provide enrichment and varied food items. Teeth may need trimming if teeth overgrow.
Buy Fahaka Puffer from FinsHQ shops
Shops currently listing this species with stock available
Sell Fahaka Puffer in your shop?
Join aquarium shops already using FinsHQ. Get a beautiful webshop, mobile app, and inventory management — built for aquatic retailers.
Start your free store