5 Things To Consider When Getting a Pufferfish for Your Tank

With over 150 different species, pufferfish are wildly fascinating, and it's no wonder so many fish hobbyists want to add one to their tank. However, they're a difficult species to care for, and you need to know what you're getting into before introducing one to your tank. To help you decide if a pufferfish should be your new fish friend, here are five things to consider when getting a pufferfish for your tank.

Do You Have the Space?

Pea pufferfish are the smallest breed of pufferfish, but they still need at least five gallons of water each. Ideally, they should be kept alone as they are very territorial. The largest species of pufferfish, Tetraodontidae, needs a 500-gallon tank at a minimum, and that size is considered a worst-case scenario. On average, most pufferfish need at least 50 gallons of water, so if you don't have the space, pufferfish may not be the right fit for your aquarium.

Freshwater or Saltwater?

As previously mentioned, there are 150 species of pufferfish, with 30 of them being freshwater and the rest being brackish and saltwater fish. This means that your pufferfish can't just go into any tank, and you must keep a close eye on the salinity of your tank’s water. A pufferfish’s needs will vary, so you need to look carefully into the species you choose. Keep in mind that almost all pufferfish species are aggressive, solitary, and need consistent care.

They're Susceptible to Disease

Instead of scales, pufferfish have spines and very thick skin. However, despite this evolutionary defense mechanism, their lack of scales makes them highly vulnerable to disease. This means that their tank setup needs to be perfect and closely monitored on at least a weekly basis. Ideally, your filtration system is top of the line, and everything you introduce to the tank must be sterilized or quarantined.

Pufferfish Are Aggressive

Pufferfish are pretty aggressive and territorial, and they easily get bored. They've been known to bite the fins and even kill their tank mates. Ideally, you'll keep your pufferfish alone.

In most cases, it's not a good idea to keep your pufferfish with a mate of its own species. However, that varies from breed to breed.

Know Which Breeds Are Poisonous

While not every single breed of pufferfish is poisonous, most are. Not knowing if one is poisonous before acquiring it is a big mistake. Mishandling a pufferfish can make you very sick, so it's best to check if the breed you choose produces tetrodotoxin. However, if your pufferfish has been bred in captivity and is not wild caught, you should be safe because it can't produce this toxin on its own.

Considering these five things when getting a pufferfish for your tank can save you a lot of headaches and wasted time. As you now know, pufferfish are extremely picky creatures, so if you've decided to add one to your aquarium, Fish Tanks Direct has aquarium tanks for sale and other aquarium supplies you can buy from the comfort of your own home!