Cross River Puffer

Blister, (Tetraodon postulates), is a large growing (up to 16”) fully freshwater Pufferfish species often referred to as the Holy grail of Puffers.
Endemic to the Cross River system in Nigeria, these puffers are challenging to collect as they come from a very small isolated area.
They are highly coveted due to not only their incredible whimsical behaviour but Tetraodon postulatus is covered with these gorgeous bright red spots.
It is believed that males of the species have decidedly more spots than females (notes from local fisherman). They have not yet been bred in captivity.

All members of the genus Tetraodon are highly poisonous and the genus is named after the toxin they carry, Tetrodotoxin which is a highly potent neurotoxin.
However unless you plan on eating your pet pufferfish you are completely safe to enjoy these incredible wet pets.

Care for Tetraodon postulatus is fairly straight forward as long as their basic needs are met. They require large aquariums with ample swimming room as well as some shelter to make them feel comfortable. Strong filtration to handle the large biological load. A temperature in the mid to high 70’sF low 80’s is ideal.
Their diet consists primarily of invertebrates, snails, clams etc… and in captivity they require they hard shelled foods to be able to hone their constantly growing teeth (beak).
As this is is their primary diet they can sometimes be kept with other fish just no conspecifics.

Blister came to us via my dear friend Oliver Lucanus @Below Water.