{"product_id":"congo-puffer","title":"Congo Puffer","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\n\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e Congo Puffer (\u003cem\u003eTetraodon miurus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eCongo Puffer\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fascinating freshwater pufferfish from Central Africa, well known for its unusual appearance, ambush-hunting behaviour and ability to bury itself completely in the substrate. It is a highly characterful fish, but is best suited to an experienced aquarist and a species-only aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🌟 Why Choose a Congo Puffer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐡 \u003cstrong\u003eUnique appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e – A chunky, unusual-looking puffer with excellent camouflage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🏜️ \u003cstrong\u003eAmbush predator\u003c\/strong\u003e – Naturally buries itself in the substrate and waits for prey to pass overhead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e👀 \u003cstrong\u003eIntelligent and curious\u003c\/strong\u003e – Like many puffers, it quickly learns to recognise its keeper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🎨 \u003cstrong\u003eNatural variation\u003c\/strong\u003e – Colouration can range from sandy brown and orange through to darker mottled shades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🏠 \u003cstrong\u003eExcellent feature fish\u003c\/strong\u003e – Usually kept as a solitary specimen, making it a real centrepiece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e📏 Size \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongo Puffers can reach approximately \u003cstrong\u003e15–17 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, although individual specimens may remain somewhat smaller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey have a compact, rounded body, large eyes and a broad head. Their colouration is highly variable and can change depending on their surroundings, mood and substrate. They commonly display \u003cstrong\u003ebrown, tan, orange and cream tones with irregular darker markings\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir ability to bury themselves is one of their most distinctive characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🌡️ Care Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideally \u003cstrong\u003e120 litres or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e for a single adult.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around \u003cstrong\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately \u003cstrong\u003e6.5–7.5\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good biological filtration with moderate water movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e A \u003cstrong\u003edeep, soft sand substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e is highly recommended so the puffer can bury itself without injuring its skin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Driftwood, rocks and plants can be used to create cover and break up the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure lid is recommended, as puffers can be surprisingly capable jumpers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🍽️ Diet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongo Puffers are \u003cstrong\u003ecarnivorous predators\u003c\/strong\u003e and should be offered a varied diet consisting primarily of meaty foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable foods include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🦐 Prawns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐌 Snails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🦀 Small crustaceans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🪱 Bloodworm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🦐 Mysis shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐟 Occasional pieces of fish or other meaty foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSnails and other hard-shelled foods are particularly useful\u003c\/strong\u003e because regularly crunching shells helps keep the puffer's continuously growing teeth worn down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e⚠️ Temperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongo Puffers are generally \u003cstrong\u003ebest kept alone\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are predatory and can be extremely aggressive towards other fish, particularly anything that comes within striking distance. Even apparently peaceful tank mates may eventually be attacked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reason, we recommend a \u003cstrong\u003especies-only aquarium with one Congo Puffer\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🌿 Aquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA natural-looking setup with a \u003cstrong\u003edeep sand bed, driftwood, rocks and sturdy aquatic plants\u003c\/strong\u003e works particularly well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe puffer should have plenty of areas where it can disappear from view and bury itself. Don't be concerned if your Congo Puffer spends considerable amounts of time completely hidden beneath the sand — this is \u003cstrong\u003enormal natural behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e for the species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e⭐ Important Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCongo Puffers are recommended for experienced fishkeepers.\u003c\/strong\u003e They require a meaty diet, good water quality and careful consideration when designing their aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey should \u003cstrong\u003enot be considered a community fish\u003c\/strong\u003e and are normally best maintained as a solitary specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePufferfish should never be deliberately inflated or handled unnecessarily.\u003c\/strong\u003e If they become stressed, they may inflate naturally, but repeated intentional inflation can cause unnecessary stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Congo Puffer makes an exceptional \u003cstrong\u003efeature fish\u003c\/strong\u003e for an appropriately set-up aquarium and can develop a surprisingly strong personality once settled in.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Neil Hardy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58526307385725,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.snuffleandswim.com\/products\/congo-puffer","provider":"Snuffle and Swim","version":"1.0","type":"link"}