
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Tetraodon lineatus
A large freshwater puffer with black stripes along a yellowish-brown body, found in the Nile and other African rivers. It reaches 43cm. Highly aggressive, it has to be kept on its own.
Tetraodon lineatus is a large freshwater puffer distributed widely across Africa in the Nile, Chad, Senegal, Gambia and Volta systems. FishBase records a maximum of 43cm TL and 1.0kg, a maximum reported age of five years, maturity at 18.2cm, pH from 7.0, hardness from 10 dH and 24-26C. The skin is scaleless but head and body are covered in small spines, and a ventral pocket connecting the gill chamber to the oesophagus lets the fish inflate into a ball. It is a molluscivore in the wild. Seriously Fish gives 24-26C, pH 6.5-7.5, 5-15 dGH, considers 120 x 60 x 60cm and 450 litres adequate for a single fish, and states plainly that no salt is required. It is extremely aggressive and can bite chunks out of other fish, so it is kept alone. Its teeth grow continuously, so shelled food is indispensable. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Fahaka Puffer lives Maximum reported age 5 years (FishBase).
The Fahaka Puffer grows to Up to 43cm TL.
The ideal temperature for the Fahaka Puffer is 24〜26℃.
Origin
Africa (Nile, Chad, Senegal, Gambia and Volta basins)
Lifespan
Maximum reported age 5 years (FishBase)
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Tetraodon lineatus Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms: Tetraodon fahaka
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
Up to 43cm TL
Temperature
24〜26℃
Snails, mussels, crab legs and other shelled foods, plus worms and frozen foods
Seriously Fish considers 120 x 60 x 60cm and 450 litres adequate for a single fish. Use sand with smooth rocks and driftwood and leave plenty of open swimming space; assume any plants will be bitten.
Seriously Fish gives 24-26C, pH 6.5-7.5 and 5-15 dGH, while FishBase records pH from 7.0 and hardness from 10 dH in the wild. It is a true freshwater fish and needs no added salt. Heavy feeding fouls the water, so filtration must be generous.
Extremely aggressive and best kept alone. Its beak can bite chunks from other fish, and it is even harsher towards its own kind. Any attempt at a community needs an enormous tank and fish fast enough to stay out of reach.
Feed snails, mussels and crab legs regularly to keep the continuously growing teeth worn down; worms and frozen foods are also taken. Overgrown teeth eventually prevent the fish from feeding.
Its temper makes breeding difficult, though successes in very large tanks are reported. It matures at about twelve months and the female shows an ovipositor before spawning. The pair bond is weak and lasts only through the act itself.
Its body carries tetrodotoxin, so a dead fish must never be fed to other animals. The bite is powerful, so take care when working in the tank, and never let it inflate in the air. The IUCN rates it Least Concern.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Fahaka Puffer is 24〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Fahaka Puffer is Maximum reported age 5 years (FishBase). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Fahaka Puffer typically reaches Up to 43cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Fahaka Puffer feeds on: Snails, mussels, crab legs and other shelled foods, plus worms and frozen foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Fahaka Puffer varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026