Chinese Puffer (Takifugu rubripes)

Family: Tetraodontidae

Chinese Puffer — a Tetraodontidae from China. Reaches 60–88 cm; keep at 24–28 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
60–88 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Middle to bottom
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Individualistic; may nip fins
Origin
China

Species overview

Takifugu rubripes is a Tetraodontidae from China. In the wild it prefers estuaries and brackish shallows; in the aquarium it stays individualistic. Plan on 60–88 cm of adult fish at 24–28 °C. Related profiles: Takifugu flavidus, Takifugu obscurus, Takifugu ocellatus.

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
Singles or carefully chosen pairs
Diet
Mollusc- and crustacean-crushing specialist
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Unclear
Breeding method
Rare in captivity

Frequently asked questions

Is Chinese Puffer easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Individualistic; may nip fins; singles or carefully chosen pairs.

What temperature and water chemistry does Chinese Puffer need?

Hold 24–28 °C and keep it stable — 24.0–28.0 °C typical for the genus. Stable warm range.

How big does Chinese Puffer get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 60–88 cm; it is middle to bottom. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Chinese Puffer eat?

Mollusc- and crustacean-crushing specialist. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Chinese Puffer live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Individualistic; may nip fins — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Chinese Puffer come from?

Comes from China: estuaries and brackish shallows. Expect still to gentle and high oxygen appreciated.

How does Chinese Puffer breed?

Rare in captivity. Unclear.