Congo Leopard Pufferfish - Tetraodon schoutedeni - DNZ

The Leopard Pufferfish (Tetradon schoutendi) is a medium-sized freshwater fish originally from West Africa, particularly the Congo. It is easily recognized by its distinctive dark spot pattern on the light body coloration, reminiscent of a leopard pattern. The Leopard Pufferfish is rather rare to find in domestic aquariums today, mainly due to the civil war in the Congo in the 1960s. They are easy to keep and care for and can grow to a size of 10 cm in the aquarium. Therefore, their aquarium should have a tank volume of at least 160 l. The aquarium should have well structured hiding places and shelters for the animals, such as caves, roots, rock or stone structures and planting is also an advantage.

Leopard Puffers are peaceful and friendly fellows that can easily be kept singly, in pairs or in groups of 3-4 conspecifics. They can also be socialized with other freshwater fish, however they should not be kept with shrimp as they like to consider them food. Pufferfish are known to grow their teeth for life, so it is important that they have the opportunity to wear their teeth down. Pebbles, lava rocks, coral chips, shells, snails or crabs are all suitable for this purpose.

Leopard Puffers are not particularly demanding in terms of water and can be kept in medium hard water with a pH of 6.5-7.5. The optimal water temperature is between 22-26° Celsius. They are not picky about food and will eat both frozen and live foods. Breeding is possible, but rare.

If you want to liven up an aquarium with the unique and attractive Leopard Pufferfish, it is important that you provide them with a comfortable home and enough space to move around freely.