Spotted Congo Puffer (Tetraodon schoutedeni) 3cm (captive bred)

 Tetraodon schoutedeni, commonly known as the Spotted Congo Puffer, is a charismatic and relatively peaceful freshwater pufferfish native to the Congo Basin in Central Africa. 

 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Tetraodon schoutedeni
• Common Names: Spotted Congo Puffer, Leopard Pufferfish
• Origin: Pool Malebo (formerly Stanley Pool), Congo River Basin
• Size: 7–10 cm (2.8–4 inches)
• Lifespan: 8–10 years in captivity
• Temperament: Peaceful for a puffer; can be kept in groups with care

 Habitat & Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a single; 55+ gallons for a group
• Water Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: Up to 20 dGH
• Substrate: Soft sand
• Aquascaping: Caves, driftwood, rocks, and hardy plants; provide visual barriers
• Filtration: Strong filtration with high oxygenation; external canister preferred

 Diet

• Type: Carnivorous micropredator
• Staple Foods: Snails, earthworms, insect larvae, frozen/live foods
• Feeding Tips: Feed a varied diet to maintain dental health and prevent overgrowth of beak-like teeth

 Behavior & Compatibility

• Social Structure: Loosely social; best kept singly or in groups of 6+ with a 2:1 female-to-male ratio
• Tank Mates: Short-finned, fast-swimming fish; avoid slow or long-finned species
• Aggression: Less aggressive than other puffers but still capable of unprovoked aggression

 Breeding

• Type: Free spawner; no parental care
• Sexual Dimorphism: Subtle; males may be smaller with longer snouts and more contrast
• Breeding Notes: Captive breeding is possible but rare; Germany and Indonesia lead in breeding programs

 Special Notes

• Inflation Behavior: Can inflate when stressed; never provoke or expose to air during handling