Fin's Fish Guide
The Fresh water puffer fish (Tetraodon mbu) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 67 cm.
Large rivers and lakes of Central Africa (Congo basin, Lake Tanganyika).
Description
The giant freshwater pufferfish (Tetraodon mbu) is the largest freshwater puffer of the family Tetraodontidae and occurs in the Congo basin and Lake Tanganyika in Africa. The species has a stocky, disc-shaped body with a spectacular maze- or mosaic pattern in brown and yellow and reaches about 67 cm. It inhabits large rivers and lakes and also occurs in estuaries. With its powerful incisor teeth it crushes snails, mussels and crustaceans. Like other puffers it can inflate, and its tissue contains the potent poison tetrodotoxin; the species is therefore not eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fresh water puffer fish?
The Fresh water puffer fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Largest freshwater pufferfish with a maze pattern; inflates itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Fresh water puffer fish live?
The Fresh water puffer fish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Large rivers and lakes of Central Africa (Congo basin, Lake Tanganyika).
How big does the Fresh water puffer fish get?
The Fresh water puffer fish grows to a maximum of about 67 cm.
Is the Fresh water puffer fish dangerous to humans?
The Fresh water puffer fish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The tissue contains tetrodotoxin, a potent and potentially deadly poison; do not eat this fish. In case of ingestion and symptoms such as tingling around the mouth, paralysis or breathing difficulty, call emergency services immediately and monitor the person closely.
Is the Fresh water puffer fish edible?
The Fresh water puffer fish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Tetraodon
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Fresh water puffer fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fresh water puffer fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.