Mbu Puffer
Scientific Name: Tetraodon mbu
Common Names: Mbu Puffer, Giant Freshwater Puffer, Giant Congo Puffer
Family: Tetraodontidae
Origin: Central Africa (Congo River basin, Lake Tanganyika; large rivers and lakes in Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi, Cameroon)
Size: 22–30 inches (55–75 cm); one of the largest freshwater pufferfish
Lifespan: 10–20 years with proper care
Behavior: Moderately peaceful but territorial, especially with similar-sized fish. Best kept alone or with carefully selected tankmates due to its sensitivity to stress and strong bite. Highly intelligent, often recognizing owners and displaying dog-like behaviors. Known to inflate when stressed—avoid provoking this behavior.
Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C); avoid prolonged exposure above 82°F.
pH: 7.0–8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline).
Oxygenation: High, using powerheads or airstones to ensure well-oxygenated water
Maintenance: Weekly 50–70% water changes with a high-capacity canister filter to manage high waste output. Use dechlorinator (e.g., Prime) and monitor ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels closely, as this species is highly sensitive to poor water quality.
Diet: Carnivorous, requiring a diet rich in hard-shelled foods to prevent beak overgrowth. Feed snails, clams, mussels, crayfish, and shrimp (shell-on) 5 days a week. Supplement with softer foods like frozen bloodworms, Mysis shrimp, or cocktail shrimp 2 days a week, soaked in vitamin supplements. Juveniles (under 6 inches) can eat small snails and shrimp. Feed 1–2 times daily, removing uneaten food to maintain water quality. Avoid dry pellets, as they are often refused.
Tank Requirements: Minimum 500 gallons (1893 liters) for adults, ideally 1000 gallons or more, with dimensions at least 8ft x 3ft x 3ft (2.4m x 0.9m x 0.9m) to allow turning and swimming. Use a soft sand substrate for wallowing behavior, paired with smooth rocks, driftwood, and hardy plants (e.g., Anubias, Java Fern) for cover. Avoid sharp décor to prevent skin damage during inflation. Use wavemakers with guards to prevent injury and ensure no exposed cables, as Mbu puffers may bite them. A tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent jumping.
Compatible Tankmates: Best kept alone due to unpredictable aggression and sensitivity to stress. If tankmates are desired, choose peaceful, fast-moving, medium-sized fish like Congo Tetras in tanks over 1000 gallons. Avoid small fish, bottom-dwellers (e.g., Corydoras), aggressive species, or fin-nippers, as they may stress or be bitten by the Mbu. Monitor interactions closely during introductions.