Tetraodon schoutedeni

Common name: Schoutedeni Pufferfish

Origin: Native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, specifically in slow-moving rivers and streams.

Optimal living conditions:

• Temperature: 24 - 28°C
• pH: 7.0 - 8.0 (slightly alkaline, brackish water)
• Aquarium size: 150 liters or larger (for a single fish or small group)

Adult fish size: 10 - 15 cm

Diet: This species is carnivorous, feeding on live and frozen foods such as snails, shrimp, and small fish. A varied diet is necessary to ensure the fish's health and well-being. Providing hard-shelled foods like snails is crucial to help wear down their ever-growing teeth.

Tankmates: Tetraodon schoutedeni is known to be aggressive and territorial, especially as it matures. It should be kept with robust and larger fish that can handle its strong, assertive nature. Avoid housing it with small, peaceful species as it may become a threat to them. It is generally recommended to keep this pufferfish species alone or with other large, similarly sized, and aggressive tankmates.

Note: Tetraodon schoutedeni is a beautiful but challenging fish to care for due to its specific water requirements and aggressive temperament. It requires a carefully controlled brackish environment, and regular feeding with hard-shelled foods is vital to prevent dental issues. Like all puffers, it has the ability to inflate when threatened as a defense mechanism, making it a fascinating species to observe but also one that requires careful attention from experienced aquarists.

Note: This basic chart is just the starting point for understanding the needs of this species. Further research is essential to ensure you can meet its specific requirements for a healthy and thriving aquarium setup.