Tawny Puffer — a Tetraodontidae from coasts & rivers of E China, assertive character fish; best kept species-only. Reaches 26.2–38.5 cm; singly; even pairs argue over prime territory. 24–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
26.2–38.5 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Assertive character fish; best kept species-only
Origin
coasts & rivers of E China
Species overview
Takifugu flavidus is a Tetraodontidae from coasts & rivers of E China. Its beak never stops growing — hard-shelled prey is not a treat but maintenance. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 26.2–38.5 cm. Singly; even pairs argue over prime territory. Offer snails routinely, keep water pristine, and choose tankmates (if any) larger than its interest. Maintain 24–28 °C at pH 7.5–8.5. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Estuaries and brackish shallows
Flow
Still to gentle
Dissolved O₂
High oxygen appreciated
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Open sand with sparse decor
Plants
Sparse hardy plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly; even pairs argue over prime territory
Diet
Carnivore specialised in hard-shelled prey
Recommended tankmates
Brackish companions where appropriate — Match the salinity carefully
Avoid keeping with
Slow or long-finned fish — Fins are trimmed on sight