SKU:PU3615
CROSS RIVER PUFFER (Tetraeodon Pustulatus) *Ultra rare* 5"
CROSS RIVER PUFFER (Tetraeodon Pustulatus) *Ultra rare* 5"
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This is the holy grail of puffer fish. Also known as the red line puffer, they come from a very hard area to reach in Africa. Sometimes almost life threatening to enter into these areas to collect this fish.
The Tetraodon pustulatus is a species of freshwater pufferfish, from the Tetraodon genus, which is endemic to a small area in Africa.
This pufferfish is generally considered to be the Holy Grail of freshwater pufferfish, owing to the rarity of specimens available in the hobby, and usually command a high price tag.
Common names for this species include the Cross River Puffer and Red-line Puffer. With a standard length of around 40cm (15.75 inches), the Pustulatus is the third largest freshwater pufferfish, after the Tetraodon lineatus and Tetraodon mbu.
The Pustulatus requires a fair-sized, mature aquarium and prefer a densely scaped environment with lots of visual barriers, hiding spaces and a soft, sandy substrate.
Such a scape helps them feel secure and contained which will encourage natural behaviours and feeding.
Pustulatus are plant biters and plants with long, thin shoots, such as Tiger Lotus, Crinum calamistratum and Crypt balansae, will likely be decimated by the pufferfish within a short period of time. Even the toughest plants, such as Anubias, will suffer from the occasional attack, so it is important to choose hardy species which can withstand and recover from these bites. Plants like Anubias, Java Fern, Bolbitis and Amazon Sword are good choices for these fish. Floating plants, such as Amazon Frogbit, give dappled shade which is also appreciated by this fish.
Cheap stem plants, such as Limnophila sessiliflora grow well in the sand substrate.
The fish will bite at the plants, but they will quickly recover because they grow so fast.
This species prefers a scape which includes an abundance of spaces in which it can hide, but the tank must also provide lots of areas of uncovered substrate to allow for wallowing (read substrate).
The flow in the aquarium should be medium to strong, but never overpowering. The strength of the flow is usually achieved with spray bars from canister filters angled towards the top of the water. By keeping a slightly dropped water level, so that the returning water from the filter splashes down onto the surface, it will create the agitation required whilst also facilitating gas exchange for high levels of oxygenation.
Powerheads with narrow gaps in the grill may be used to create additional flow.
We would advise that cages or guards (such as anemone guards) are used on powerheads to prevent injury to the fish if they become trapped.
With the correct care, the Pustulatus can live to in excess of 20 years.
A fish that lives for 20 years will be with you for a lot of changes in your life, so these fish obviously represent a long-term commitment.
