Avacado Pufferfish - Auriglobus modestus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Avocado Pufferfish (Auriglobus modestus) is a species of intelligent and inquisitive fish that is relatively rare in the aquarium trade. These puffers are known for their aggressive fin-nipping behaviour and are best suited for a dedicated single-species aquarium.
Due to their streamlined body, Avocado Pufferfish are capable of swimming at faster speeds compared to other puffer species and many other fish. Consequently, they should never be housed with slow-moving, long-finned species or any type of decorative crayfish, shrimp, or snail.
Invertebrates placed in the same tank as a Golden Puffer are likely to become their immediate prey. However, most other fast-moving community fish, such as giant Danios, larger Barbs, Catfish, Perch, Knifefish, and spiny eels, can generally coexist with Avocado Pufferfish, provided ample tank space and hiding places are available.
During routine aquarium maintenance, it is prudent to use a tank divider to separate areas and prevent accidental provocation of the puffer. Avocado Pufferfish perceive anything that moves, including fingers, as potential food.
Avocado Pufferfish exhibit a propensity for rooting around and are best housed in a well-aquascaped aquarium. They prefer a densely planted tank with a sandy substrate, floating vegetation, driftwood roots, caves for hiding, and subdued lighting conditions.
Efficient filtration is recommended, with areas of moderate water movement and some calm resting spots away from strong currents. Regular partial water changes are essential to maintain low nitrate levels, as these fish are particularly sensitive to the accumulation of pollutants.
In terms of physical characteristics, the Avocado Pufferfish displays an unusual shape for a pufferfish, featuring a sleeker and more streamlined body structure. They showcase beautiful iridescent colours ranging from golden and green to bronze hues. The iridescence of their bodies shifts between shades of green, gold, and bronze, with the belly gradually becoming lighter in colour. The fins and tail of these Pufferfish are translucent, adding to their visual appeal.
Avacado Pufferfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Regrettably, the sexual dimorphism of Avocado Pufferfish remains unknown, as there is insufficient information available to discern the physical differences between males and females of this species.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Auriglobus modestus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1850 |
| Other Names | Golden Pufferfish, Bronze Pufferfish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family | Tetraodontidae |
| Genus | Auriglobus |
| Origins | Cambodia , Laos , Thailand , Vietnam , Malaysia , Indonesia |
| Max Size | 10 cm |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Loners |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| ℉ | 74 - 82 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 27 |
Natural Habitat
The Avocado Pufferfish is indigenous to several countries in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Indragiri River in Indonesia. These fish primarily inhabit medium to large-sized rivers and streams characterized by moderate water currents.
Breeding
Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the reproductive behaviour of the Avocado Pufferfish, and successful breeding of this species has yet to be documented in home aquarium settings.
Diet & Feeding
Avocado Pufferfish exhibit omnivorous feeding behaviour. In their natural habitat, their diet consists of various food sources, including shrimps, terrestrial insects, whole fish, and even seeds. When kept in captivity, they display a preference for live or frozen foods such as gut-loaded shrimp, bloodworms, and snails. With patience and training, they may also accept freeze-dried options like krill.
All Pufferfish possess robust teeth that continuously grow throughout their lives. The Avacado Puffer, particularly, is susceptible to dental overgrowth and requires regular consumption of shelled live food to naturally wear down their teeth.
Feeding the Pufferfish snails and other shelled foods on a daily basis aids in the natural abrasion of their teeth. However, if their teeth become excessively long, impeding their eating ability, manual trimming becomes necessary to ensure their well-being.
