
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dichotomyctere nigroviridis
A small puffer with black spots over a yellow-green back and a white belly, from brackish and fresh waters of South and Southeast Asia. Its shell-crushing teeth grow continuously, so hard-shelled food must be offered regularly.
Dichotomyctere nigroviridis is a small tetraodontid of coastal brackish water and rivers from Sri Lanka to Indonesia and north to China. FishBase records a maximum of 17cm TL, pH 8.0, 9-19 dH and 24-28C, and notes that it eats molluscs and crustaceans and will sometimes take scales and fins. It is still widely traded under the old name Tetraodon nigroviridis. Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 7.5-8.5, 10-20 dGH and a 120 x 30cm base of about 108 litres, and stresses that the fish is very sensitive to declining water quality, so regular partial changes are essential. The teeth grow throughout life, so snails and shelled crustaceans must be fed regularly to wear them down. It is belligerent towards its own kind; if several are kept, use at least four in a large tank so aggression is spread. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Green Spotted Puffer lives 5-8 years.
The Green Spotted Puffer grows to Up to 17cm TL.
The ideal temperature for the Green Spotted Puffer is 24〜28℃.
Origin
Asia (Sri Lanka to Indonesia and north to China)
Lifespan
5-8 years
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: Dichotomyctere nigroviridis (Marion de Procé, 1822)
Synonyms: Tetraodon nigroviridis, Chelonodon nigroviridis
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 17cm TL
Temperature
24〜28℃
Snails, crustaceans and other shelled invertebrates, plus frozen foods
Seriously Fish suggests a 120 x 30cm base of about 108 litres. Arrange roots and branches over sand for cover but leave open water, since it is active, and diffuse the light with floating plants.
Seriously Fish gives 24-28C, pH 7.5-8.5 and 10-20 dGH; FishBase records pH 8.0 and 9-19 dH in the wild. It is a brackish-water fish and very sensitive to declining conditions, so partial water changes must be routine.
It nips slow-moving or long-finned fish, so choose companions carefully; robust, active species such as scats and archerfish work best. It fights its own kind, so keep at least four in a spacious tank if keeping more than one.
Feed snails and unshelled shellfish such as crab legs and cockles regularly to keep the continuously growing teeth worn down, alongside live and frozen foods. Overgrown teeth eventually stop the fish feeding.
Not easy, but it has spawned in aquaria. Spawning takes place only in brackish water, the eggs being laid on flat rock and guarded by the male. They hatch in about seven days and the fry are difficult to raise.
Its body carries tetrodotoxin, so a dead fish must never be fed to other animals. It inflates when alarmed; never lift it into the air, where it can take in gas. The IUCN rates it Least Concern and it is not listed by CITES.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Green Spotted Puffer is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Green Spotted Puffer is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Green Spotted Puffer typically reaches Up to 17cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Green Spotted Puffer feeds on: Snails, crustaceans and other shelled invertebrates, plus frozen foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Green Spotted Puffer varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026