Maximum size : 15 cm

Green Spotted Pufferfish - Tetraodon Nigroviridis : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

The Green Spotted Pufferfish (Tetraodon Nigroviridis) is a fascinating and highly intelligent fish that is sure to capture the attention of experienced aquarists. With their unique appearance, vibrant personalities, and remarkable ability to recognize their owners, these fish are a true delight to keep. While they may not be suitable for community tanks due to their aggressive nature and scaleless bodies, they make excellent pets for dedicated hobbyists. In fact, their impressive intelligence and active swimming style make them some of the most rewarding fish to watch. These pufferfish have a striking green body adorned with black spots, and their protruding eyes and distinctive features give them a distinctively frog-like appearance. They are also equipped with a powerful jaw and unique teeth-like structures used for crushing their prey. Interestingly, the Green Spotted Pufferfish can puff itself up as a defence mechanism, jutting out its spines to ward off potential predators. In addition, their flesh contains a poisonous substance that can be fatal to predators that consume them. Overall, if you're an experienced aquarist seeking a captivating and intelligent fish, the Green Spotted Pufferfish is an excellent choice.

Green Spotted Pufferfish Photos

Sexual Dimorphism

Determining the sexes of Green Spotted Pufferfish is a daunting task for even the most experienced aquarist. Traditional methods, such as visual inspection or behavior analysis, are ineffective, and the only definitive way to differentiate males from females is through dissection or by observing egg-laying behavior in females.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name	Tetraodon Nigroviridis
Year Described	1822
Other Names	Green Spotted Puffer, GSP
Classification	Actinopterygii
Order	Tetraodontiformes
Family	Tetraodontidae
Genus	Dichotomyctere
Origins	Thailand Sri Lanka Cambodia Philippines Malaysia Myanmar Vietnam
Max Size	15 cm
Temperament	Aggressive
Aquarium Level	Middle
Difficulty	Intermediate - Advanced
Shoaling	No
Best kept as	Loners
Diet	Carnivore
Reproduction	Egg-Layer
Lifespan	up to 15 years

Water Parameters

Water Type	Brackish
PH	7.5 - 8.2
GH	9 - 10
KH
TDS

Temperature
℉	78 - 82
℃	25.6 - 27.8

Natural habitat

The Green Spotted Pufferfish originates from the rich and diverse lands of Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. These incredible creatures can be found in a variety of environments, including rivers, streams, and flooded areas. One of the most remarkable features of the Green Spotted Pufferfish is their ability to adapt to different water conditions. As they mature, they have been known to transition from freshwater to brackish or even marine water areas. This migration enables them to thrive in coastal environments, where they continue to mesmerize and amaze with their striking appearance and unique behaviour. Join us on a journey to explore the fascinating world of the Green Spotted Pufferfish and discover the incredible diversity and adaptability of these remarkable creatures. From their origins in Southeast Asia to their ability to thrive in a variety of water conditions, the Green Spotted Pufferfish is a true marvel of the natural world.\r\n

How to breed the Green Spotted Pufferfish

To breed the Green Spotted Pufferfish, it is recommended to keep more than five fish in a tank to increase the likelihood of mixed sexes. Once a female is recognized, typically distinguished by her larger size after breeding, the spawning process can be managed. To optimise breeding success, a brackish water environment with plenty of flat rocks or pebbles should be provided to give the fish a surface to lay their eggs upon. After laying, the male takes over to guard and protect the eggs. The eggs will hatch in approximately seven days, and the male will continue to defend the fry, moving them to a pit. Raising the fry can be challenging as they have limited food options at this stage, primarily consuming Cyclops nauplii.

Diet & feeding

Green spotted Pufferfish are notorious for their voracious appetite and will eat almost anything offered to them. However, overfeeding can lead to health problems, so it is crucial to provide them with a balanced diet in appropriate portions. Snails are an essential part of their diet as they help keep their beak-like teeth filed down to a suitable size. It is recommended to feed them snails similar in size to their eyes. Along with snails, crustaceans are a significant part of their diet as they are true carnivores and thrive on meaty foods. As juveniles, their diet consists of plankton, cockles, brine shrimp, worms, and whitebait. As they mature, they will consume a variety of crustaceans such as lobster, crayfish, crab legs, scallops, squid, mussels, and clams. A varied diet is crucial for their optimal health and growth.