Bronze Puffer (Auriglobus modestus) CareSheet

The Avocado Puffer (Auriglobus modestus), often known as the Golden or Bronze Puffer, is a freshwater fish endemic to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand's fast-flowing rivers. It lives in loose groups and may reach a size of 4.5 inches as an adult (11.4 cm). It's quite active, like many pufferfish, and has a lot of personality. It is an aggressive species, although it may coexist in a large, well-decorated tank with its own species and a few other fast-moving species. It has a body morphology that makes it far more nimble than other pufferfish in fast-flowing waters.

Ample space and decor are important factors in keeping the Avocado Puffer alive in a communal environment. More plants, rocks, and driftwood can assist to block up lines of sight and create more different places since males of this species are highly territorial and will frequently claim and defend an area. Slow-moving, long-finned fish, such as bettas, are not suitable tankmates because it will continuously attack their fins. It is especially sensitive to poor water quality since it is endemic to fast-flowing rivers. For this species, regular water changes are an essential must. In addition, any tank holding the Avocado Puffer must have a full volume rotation of 6-10 times each hour.

The Avocado Puffer typically ignores dry meals, yet groups of this fish may sometimes learn about new food sources by watching one another try them out. In our experience, relying on dry meals as a mainstay for this fish is not a wise idea. Frozen bloodworms and other meaty frozen items, on the other hand, it will devour. It should not be housed with dwarf shrimp or other attractive invertebrates since its natural diet consists mostly of crustaceans and snails. On the plus side, it will cheerfully rid any aquarium of any tiny snails, including the "nuisance" bladder snails that often inhabit planted aquariums. Its beak, like that of other pufferfish species, has to be worn down by constant feeding on invertebrates with unbroken shells.

Requirements for keeping Auriglobus modestus

Temperature: 74° - 80° F (23° - 27° C)
pH: 6.0 - 7.8
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (single specimen), 40+ gallons for multiple specimens
Origin: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
Average adult size: 4 - 4.5 inches