Tetraodon schoutedeni
Also known as: Schouteden's Puffer, Spotted Congo Puffer, Reticulate Congo Puffer
Origin: Congo River rapids, Central Africa
Tetraodon schoutedeni is an endemic of the Congo River rapids system, making it one of the most geographically restricted freshwater puffers in the world. Its dark brown-to-black body is overlaid with a fine cream-reticulated network that intensifies with age and condition. Like most Congo puffers it is a benthic ambush predator, spending much of its time motionless on the substrate. Water quality must be impeccable, with high oxygenation and a gentle flow replicating its rapids habitat. A sandy substrate with smooth stones provides both cover and sensory stimulation. It must be kept alone or with very robust, fast-moving dither fish that remain out of biting range. A varied diet of hard-shelled invertebrates is essential for beak wear management.
Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 24–27°C, high dissolved oxygen and gentle current. Tank: 120 L minimum; sandy substrate, smooth rocks, dim lighting; strong filtration with frequent water changes. Feeding: Live or frozen snails, mussels, clams, earthworms; hard-shelled food required weekly to keep beak trimmed. Breeding: Rarely achieved in captivity; no reliable protocol; hypothesised substrate spawner based on Congo Puffer analogy. Compatibility: Solitary only; will bite tankmates; any cohabitation attempted only in very large tanks with robust fast fish.
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