Mbu Puffer (Tetraodon mbu) CareSheet

The Mbu Puffer is a huge, magnificent freshwater pufferfish that may be found in the Congo River Basin and adjacent Central African waterways. The Mbu Puffer lives in a broad range of habitats in the wild, from alkaline lakes to near-rapids. This fish makes an amazing exhibition fish for a properly big aquarium, since it is intelligent, friendly, but also has the potential to be highly aggressive.

They are very resilient and undemanding in terms of water conditions, but because of their razor-sharp beak and inquisitive nature, tankmates should be selected with caution, since they are at danger of becoming a meal at some point. Their sharp beaks develop fast, so they need to eat frozen (or live) crayfish and other hard-shelled foods to help wear them down. Because of its gigantic adult size and nutritional needs, this species is best maintained by experienced hobbyists who have the means to supply the Mbu Puffer with both an appropriate food and a very large aquarium in the long run. Learn more about puffer fish Freshwater Puffer Care Requirements and Tank Selection for Hobbyists.



Origin: Wild Central Africa
Locale: Congo River Basin, DRC
Diet: Carnivore and predator, feeding on a variety of molluscs, crustaceans and fish in the wild
Adult Size: 24"
Recommended Tank Size: 300 gallons
Compatibility: Varies widely by individual fish, but tankmates should be chosen carefully as they are known to attack or kill with little warning
Preferred Water Parameters
pH: 7.0 – 8.2
Temp: 75-82F
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 30ppm