Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted Congo puffer (Tetraodon schoutedeni) is a freshwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The spotted Congo puffer is a freshwater pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a stocky, pale body densely studded with dark spots. Unlike many puffers this is a true freshwater species of large rivers, not a brackish-water fish. It feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates, especially snails, which it crushes with its beak-like fused jaw plates. Like other puffers it can inflate itself with water or air, and its skin and organs can contain the poison tetrodotoxin; therefore do not eat this fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted Congo puffer?
The Spotted Congo puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. True freshwater pufferfish densely covered with dark spots; can inflate itself and contains tetrodotoxin.
Where does the Spotted Congo puffer live?
The Spotted Congo puffer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; large rivers of the Congo basin (true fresh water).
How big does the Spotted Congo puffer get?
The Spotted Congo puffer grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Spotted Congo puffer dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted Congo puffer is harmless to humans. The skin, organs and possibly the flesh can contain the poison tetrodotoxin; do not eat this fish. In case of poisoning (tingling, paralysis) there is no antidote: call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Spotted Congo puffer edible?
The Spotted Congo puffer 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 Spotted Congo puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted Congo puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.