Pear puffer (Takifugu vermicularis)

Family: Tetraodontidae

Pear puffer — a Tetraodontidae freshwater fish. Reaches 22.5–33 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
22.5–33 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Individualistic; may nip fins

Species overview

Takifugu vermicularis of the family Tetraodontidae is an aquarium-kept Tetraodontidae. Individualistic; may nip fins and mollusc- and crustacean-crushing specialist, it grows to 22.5–33 cm and prefers 24–28 °C water. Other Takifugu species in our database include 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 Pear puffer easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Individualistic; may nip fins. Singles or carefully chosen pairs.

What temperature and water chemistry does Pear puffer need?

Aim for 24–28 °C. Stable warm range; 24.0–28.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Pear puffer get, and what tank size?

Full size is 22.5–33 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Pear puffer eat?

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

Can Pear puffer live with other fish?

Individualistic; may nip fins; singles or carefully chosen pairs. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Pear puffer come from?

Found in estuaries and brackish shallows; expect still to gentle and high oxygen appreciated.

How does Pear puffer breed?

In the aquarium: rare in captivity. Unclear.