Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – large snails, mussels, clams, crabs, shrimp, fish chunks; hard shells required for beak maintenance
Aquarium species profile
Mbu Puffer
Tetraodon mbu · Africa (Congo River, Lake Tanganyika)
Minimum tank500 gal
Adult size30"
Care levelDifficult
TemperamentAggressive
Temperature75–80°F
pH range7.0–7.8
Compatible tank mates
None — species-only tank
Tank mates to avoid
Every other animal — will attack and kill
Care notes
The world's largest freshwater puffer. Requires an enormous tank — most home aquariums are too small for adults. Produces immense waste — oversized filtration needed. Highly intelligent; bonds with owner, plays with toys. Unique spotted pattern. Very long-lived (10+ years). A 'whale tank' fish.
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.