Species profile
Fahaka Puffer
Tetraodon lineatus
Aggressive
Hard care
700 L minimum aquarium
40–45 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Large, extremely aggressive solitary freshwater puffer with a powerful beak. Requires a long, broad aquarium and careful keeper handling.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7–8
GH
Up to 20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
4
Do not recommend as a community fish. Attacks on tankmates can be sudden, and the keeper must respect the bite risk during maintenance.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
700 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Tetraodon lineatus
Alternative names
Fahaka Puffer, Nile Puffer, Lineatus Puffer
Native range
Nile, Chad, Niger, Senegal, Gambia and other African river systems.
Natural habitat
Large tropical African rivers and floodplain waters; provide excellent filtration, oxygenation and open turning space.
Diet & feeding
Hard-shelled molluscs/crustaceans are important for tooth wear; supplement with varied quality meaty foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Reliable external sexing is not established.
Breeding
Aquarium breeding is rare and not a routine husbandry expectation.