Creating a proper environment for your puffers is a challenging job. You’ll need an ample aquarium with the ability to filter water quickly and thoroughly, but we know you’re up for it and are here to compare options.
We’ve been able to round up a list of 10 Types of Freshwater Puffer Fish so you can get a closer look and find one that catches your eye.
We have plenty of information on what the fish will look like, when they are delivered, and other facts you can use to make an educated purchase. Join us today to learn about the various aspects of their availability, size, & more!
The 10 Types of Freshwater Puffer Fish
Red-Eyed Puffer
photo: william.exotique
The Red Eyed Puffer Fish is one of the breeds of pufferfish with a red-eye. Some of the other types are more difficult to maintain, but their qualities make them easy to care for.
In order to keep your fish happy, it’s best to buy them on their own – preferably without any other pufferfish. They can get pretty aggressive so they require a big enough tank since they’ll produce plenty of waste. For an aquarium to thrive, it should be at least 32 inches long. You will also need plenty of live plants.
MBU Puffer
photo: paulsaquarium
MBU Pufferfish are a really big breed of pufferfish that can reach up to 26 inches. They’re very difficult to keep in an aquarium because they need a lot of space and filtration in order to stay healthy.
Therefore, we recommend MBU pufferfish to advanced pufferfish keepers. They can have a unique pattern on their body that changes as they age.
Congo Puffer
photo: deansfishroom
You can get a Congo pufferfish from many sources but they are most commonly found in the rivers of Africa. They often grow to about 6 inches long and will spend most of their time buried in the sand at the bottom of your aquarium. They are afraid of potential predators because they are small & quickly swim behind a plant or in a tight spot.
You can choose from many colors, including black, sand and red, or the Congo will chameleon-like change its color to the environment. They have strong preference for nitrates so your water needs to be filtered heavily.
Dwarf Puffer
photo: dwarf.puffer
The Dwarf Pufferfish is one of the smallest puffers in the world. They rarely grow larger than an inch and a half.
The Dwarf Puffer is a fish that was recently listed as being in danger of extinction. This is due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Besides being popular in aquariums, this breed is also well-liked for its bright colors and small size. It’s much easier to get the right size like an aquarium and filtration system needed for a Dwarf fish than some of the other breeds.
Golden Puffer
photo: elistaer
There is a version of the Golden Puffer that is light and dark. In contrast, the light version has a white body with yellow polka dots while the dark version has an ebony body with yellow spots.
This fish has a very round body with small fins set far back. There are small toothlike projections on their skin and they puff up when they are excited. Large varieties of these fish can be found in the waters of many regions in the world. They can grow to over 20 inches in length when they’re fully mature.
Ocellated Puffer
Ocellated puffers are one of the rarer breeds available for pets. They’re a captive-bred type fish that now inhabits streams & rivers in South Asia. They even have individual personalities and ensure their eggs stay safe!
This fish is peaceful and likes to be kept in pairs. They can also be housed in a smaller aquarium than other types, which typically only requires about 20 gallons. However, you will still need a strong filter system to keep the water clean and healthy.
Red-Tailed Dwarf Puffer
Red-Tailed Dwarf Pufferfish, a smaller breed that only grow to about two inches, really like aquariums with plenty of live vegetation. These males are bigger than the females!
They have dark brown bodies with light cream-colored stripes on their lower sides. They have mottled brown appearances and irregular shapes and markings, as well as red eyes with red fins.
South American Puffer
There are a few pufferfish species that only live in groups in the wild, but they’re particularly difficult to care for in an aquarium. The South American Puffer is one of them – and it’s the only one with a mouth on each side!
We recommend buying this breed only if you have a very large tank. They’re only recommended for experienced enthusiasts, and these fish will be best maintained with proper nutrition and care. If you aren’t sure about getting them, it’s worth waiting to see if our black & golden striped fish become more popular in the near future.
A South American Puffer fish will require a tank that’s at least 47 inches long. It needs to be heavily filtered and planted with dense, hard-food type plants. The fish also has teeth that can overgrow so you’ll need to provide eggs for them in addition to regular food.
Target Puffer
Target Pufferfish may grow up to about 6 inches long and require a tank at least 35 inches long to live comfortably.
When you’re setting up your aquarium, keep in mind that proper placement is essential. This allows for a stable flow of water and gives you the option to watch your fish close by. In addition, it’s beneficial to use lighting so you can enjoy watching the fish anytime!
Fahaka Puffer
photo: fishtopia_official
This breed of puffers is one of the larger breeds and can grow to 16 inches when fully grown. These Fish are extremely aggressive, and only experienced keepers should own one of these fish.
You will need a tank of at least 60-inches long, with strong filtering capabilities and dense vegetation. These fish are also known to bite your fingers while they are feeding, but the hollow teeth can be painful.
Conclusion
Pufferfish are one of the most rewarding types of fish to keep. They can grow to gargantuan size and can be quite temperamental in the tank, but if you take that into account and provide them with appropriate care, they will reward you with their unique personalities. It’s challenging to find a tank that is large enough, but you have to commit beforehand so it will last for at least 5 years. A lot of these tanks can last longer than 5 years!
Smaller breeds like Dwarf Puffer fish are dependable and are great for someone just starting out with the hobby. For more advanced fish, a properly raised MBU Puffer is what’s in demand.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide on freshwater pufferfish and found some information you would like to share with others. If you learned something new, please be sure to share this guide on social media, like twitters, Instagram and Pinterest.
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