Schouteden's Puffer (Upriver Form)

The upriver form of Tetraodon schoutedeni is collected from Congo tributaries above the main Livingstone Falls rapids system, inhabiting swifter, highly oxygenated headwaters with cleaner, less turbid water than lower-drainage specimens. This form shows finer, denser cream reticulations on the dark body compared to the broader reticulations seen in Pool Malebo specimens, and may develop slightly paler background colouration in consistently clear water. High dissolved oxygen and a meaningful water current are essential for long-term health of this form in captivity. A high-turnover filtration system with a spray bar or powerhead ensuring good water movement is strongly recommended. All other care parameters follow established T. schoutedeni protocol.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 23–26°C, soft to moderate; very high dissolved oxygen; strong current essential. Tank: 120 L minimum; sand and smooth rock substrate; high-flow filter setup; avoid stagnant zones. Feeding: Snails, mussels, clams, earthworms; hard prey weekly; strong current stimulates natural feeding behaviour. Breeding: Not documented; upriver seasonal tributary spawner. Compatibility: Solitary; aggressive toward all; single-specimen tank only.