Fahaka Puffer (Tetraodon lineatus) is a advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 180 gallons and 72-82°F. A large, aggressive freshwater puffer that needs a very large tank and a diet of hard-shelled foods.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Tetraodon lineatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Tetraodontidae |
| Origin | Nile and Congo basins, Africa |
| Adult size | 16 in |
| Minimum tank | 180 gallons |
| Temperature | 72-82°F |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Social behavior | Solitary |
| Swim level | Mid to bottom |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Diet | Carnivore: snails, shrimp, crustaceans |
| Typical lifespan | 10+ years |
Quick tips
- Keep alone.
- Feed hard-shelled foods for its teeth.
- Needs a very large tank.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi