Tetraodon cochinchinensis · Fang's Puffer

Overview

A distinct red spot toward the rear of the body helps identify Tetraodon cochinchinensis. Strong intolerance of both other species and its own kind makes solitary housing the appropriate choice. Its small size does not limit the seriousness of its bite.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, using still or slow water in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Some occupied habitats contain brackish water.

Aquarium setup

Provide dense planting with branching roots and wood for shelter. Floating plants soften the light. Regular partial water changes are essential because declining conditions are poorly tolerated.

Diet & feeding

Offer suitable shellfish, worms, and other meaty live or frozen foods. Regular snails and shelled items such as crab legs or mussels help wear the continually growing mouthparts and prevent overgrowth from interfering with feeding.

Behaviour & compatibility

This is an aggressive fish whose beak can remove pieces of flesh from companions and inflict severe injury. Aggression toward conspecifics is also strong, so group housing is unsuitable.

Breeding

Aquarium breeding has been achieved, although details remain limited. Some male brood care is reported tentatively, rather than forming a well-established breeding protocol.

Notes

Several similar puffers share its region and can be confused in trade. The clear rear-body red spot is an important identification clue.