Aquarium species profile

Avocado Puffer

Auriglobus modestus · Southeast Asia (Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins)

Minimum tank30 gal

Adult size4"

Care levelModerate

TemperamentAggressive

Temperature74–82°F

pH range6.5–7.5

Diet

Carnivore – snails (for beak trimming), frozen bloodworms, shrimp, mussels

Compatible tank mates

Best kept alone or with very robust, fast-moving fish

Tank mates to avoid

All invertebrates (will eat them), slow-moving or long-finned fish

Care notes

Also called the Bronze Puffer. Olive-green body — looks like a small avocado. Extremely aggressive fin-nipper; best kept in a species tank. Like all puffers, beak needs regular trimming with hard foods (snails). Fascinating personality and intelligence.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

Check compatibility in Fishician