The pufferfish is perhaps one of the best known fish for its unique ability to inflate to about three times its body length, a unique trait that also earned it the nickname “pufferfish.” “They are also known as “pufferfish” due to their resemblance to an inflated balloon, and their ability to inflate is just one of many fun facts about pufferfish.
There are over 190 species of pufferfish found around the world that can make a unique addition to any advanced hobbyist’s aquarium. Here are some of the most popular pufferfish species.
Freshwater pufferfish
1. Dwarf pufferfish
Dwarf puffers, also known as pee puffers or pygmy puffers, are one of the most popular pufferfish pets.
The dwarf puffer fish is one of the smallest puffer fish in the world, measuring less than an inch in length.
These fish live in schools in the wild and are best kept in single-species tanks in groups of at least six. With proper care, Dwarf Puffers can live for more than six years as pets.
Be careful though: Dwarf puffers have been known to jump out of the water, so it’s essential to have a tight-fitting lid on the tank if you keep them as pets.
2. Amazon pufferfish
Amazon pufferfish are also known as South American puffer fish (SAP for short). They grow to about 3 inches in length and live for 8-10 years as pets. All Amazon pufferfish are wild-caught, as not much is known about the reproduction of this species.
Like the Dwarf Pufferfish, Amazon Pufferfish live in groups in the wild and should ideally be kept in groups of at least six.
3. Mubu Pufferfish
The giant pufferfish, or Mbu pufferfish, is the largest species of pufferfish in the family Pufferfish and can grow to a length of up to 30 inches when kept as a pet. With proper care, they can live for over 20 years.
The Mubufugu “You may notice your pufferfish inflating even in the absence of environmental stress, as they practice “inflating” to strengthen their muscles.
When stressed or ill, Mbu Puffers may lose colour and develop a mask-like pattern around their face – if this occurs, investigate the water and environmental changes and consult an aquatic veterinarian.
4. Congo pufferfish
The spotted Kongo pufferfish grows to about 4 inches in length and can live for over 10 years as a pet. This type of pufferfish is best kept individually or in a single-species tank, as they are known to become aggressive for no apparent reason.
Like the common pufferfish, the spotted pufferfish changes color when stressed, revealing black stripes down its back.
The spotted Kongo pufferfish can also retract its eyes when injured, and you may notice it using this muscle to practice this ability.
5. Dragon Pufferfish
Dragon pufferfish, or humpback fish, are ambush predators and should be kept alone or in single-species tanks. Dragon pufferfish can grow to 7-8 inches and may attempt to eat smaller tank mates.
Dragon puffers are crepuscular and most active at dawn and dusk, they may jump out of the tank so make sure the lid is tightly closed.
6. Yellow pufferfish
Yellow puffers, also known as golden puffer fish, grow to about 4 inches. This species of pufferfish can live for about 5 to 7 years, although they become less active as they age.
Yellow puffers are known to be aggressive and should only be kept in single-species tanks.
Saltwater pufferfish
7. Valentini Blowfish
Valentini pufferfish grow to about four inches in length and can live five to ten years.
For the safety of both the corals and the pufferfish, Valentini pufferfish are best kept in non-reef aquariums with non-aggressive fish, and it is best to have only one Valentini pufferfish in an aquarium.
8. Figure-eight pufferfish
Also known as the Icespot Puffer Fish, the Figure 8 Puffer can grow up to 3 inches long and, in the right environment, have been known to live for around 15 years as pets.
Like many other pufferfish species, the Figure 8 pufferfish can be aggressive and should be avoided in community or reef aquariums.
9. White Bug
White spotted pufferfish are also known as stars and stripes pufferfish. This species of pufferfish can grow up to 18 inches in length and is usually caught in the wild.
The white-spotted pufferfish is a solitary species in the wild and is best kept alone.
Like other pufferfish, the white-spotted pufferfish is not considered safe for reef aquariums.
10. Green spot pufferfish
Green Spotted Puffer Fish (GSP for short) grow to about 6 inches and are known to live for about 10 years as pets.
Healthy Green Spotted Pufferfish usually have a white, rounded abdomen, rather than a flat abdomen like other species. A gray abdomen could be a sign that your GSP is sick.
Unfortunately, GSPs are often sold as freshwater fish, even though they require saltwater conditions.
11. Porcupine Pufferfish
The Porcupine Puffer is also known as the Long Spine Porcupine Fish. You may also see them called Balloon Fish or Hedgehog Fish. The Porcupine Puffer can grow to 8-14 inches and live up to 20 years.
The porcupine pufferfish is not a pufferfish but a hystrider fish, so it belongs to a different family than other fish.
Porcupine puffers are covered in sharp spines that protrude when inflated.
12. Guinea fowl pufferfish
Guinea fowl pufferfish come in a variety of colors. The guinea fowl pufferfish is a close relative of the stars and stripes pufferfish. The guinea fowl pufferfish can grow up to 20 inches in length.
Guinea fowl feed on coral in the wild and should not be kept in a reef tank.
