Tetraodon pustulatus
Cross River Pufferfish
SynonymsTop ↑
Tetraodon leiogaster
Etymology
Tetraodon: Greek. tetra, meaning four and odous, meaning teeth. In reference to the four tooth of which the beak is composed.
pustulatus: Latin. The past particple of pustulare, meaning to blister. This pertains to the bright circles, likened to blistering.
Distribution
Endemic to the Cross River basin of Nigeria and Cameroon, though virtually all aquarium specimens are caught in Cameroon and exported via Nigeria.
Habitat
The Cross River Pufferfish can be found in the moderately fast flowing main channels of the river, though it is unfussy about the microhabitats in which it can be found, for instance rocky areas or zones where fallen branches and wood have entered the water.
On occasion, this species has been found in estuarine conditions too.
Maximum Standard Length
Male: 30 cm
Female: 30 cm
Aquarium SizeTop ↑
An aquarium with base dimensions of 150 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm should be considered the bare minimum for such an active, cosmopolitan fish. For long term care aim for something around ~30cm/12″ larger on each dimension.
Maintenance
Due to the inquisitive nature of this species, the aquarium should be well decorated with bogwood, rocks and other forms of enrichment, though plenty of swimming space should still be afforded.
Tetraodon pustulatus does well in a planted aquarium and is seldom destructive towards plants.
Due to the high protein diet of the Cross River Puffer, water quality should be monitored closely. Filtration should be carried out by a larger external filter or sump, as this fish is a very messy feeder.
Water Conditions
Due to the weakly euryhaline nature of Tetraodon pustulatus, low salinity conditions can be tolerated for periods of time. Aim for neutral water where possible, though slightly acidic to slightly alklaine water will be acceptable.
Diet
In nature, the Cross River Puffer should be considered primarily a molluscivore, though they also show opportunistic tendencies. Much of the natural diet is comprised of molluscs, crustaceans, mussels, other invertebrates and sometimes fish.
In captivity, aim for a varied diet such as Freshwater crabs, small fish, large insects, snails, prawns and earthworms etc. Some keepers report being able to convert their fish onto high quality pellet food, though in order for this to be successful the fish should be ‘trained’ from a young age, but other hard shelled foods must still be offered regularly in order to prevent the beak from overgrowing.
Care should be taken to avoid excessively feeding one type of food item, with emphasis on seafood and shellfish in order to avoid vitamin deficiencies.
Avian and Mammal proteins should be entirely swerved as lipids contained within cannot be properly metabolised by the fish, leading to excessive fat deposits and even organ degeneration. Feeder fish should also be avoided.
Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑
As a predator of mainly slow/sessile organisms, the Cross River Pufferfish can be considered a community fish, provided tank mates are chosen carefully. Significantly smaller, peaceful, quick fish will be largely ignored, whereas similarly sized animals such as Polypterus spp. and Larger cichlids may be on the receiving end of inquisitive, biting behaviour.
Suitable tankmates include small to medium tetras, Otocinclus spp., smaller barbs etc.
Sexual Dimorphism
No obvious signs of sexual dimorphism have been noted.
Reproduction
This species has not been reproduced in captivity, but presumably not dissimilar to Tetraodon mbu.
NotesTop ↑
Recent evaluations by the IUCN have revealed this species to be endangered. Large areas of the Cross River are subject to habitat degradation and pollution.
Due to the rarity of Tetraodon pustulatus and the inaccessibility of its native range, imports for the aquariums trade and incredibly scarce and costly.
References
- Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes
http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/ichthyology/catalog/fishcatmain.asp - Fish Base
https://www.fishbase.de/summary/Tetraodon-pustulatus.html - Charlotte Barrington, 2021 -
