Golden Puffer

Distribution:
   The Golden Puffer or Avocado Puffer are native to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia where they are found in medium and large rivers.

  NOTE: As with so many of the common names for fish, there can be a variety of species called the same thing. Consequently there are several other fish associated with the same common names as this fish.
   The name 'Avocado Puffer' is also associated with the Green Pufferfish Tetraodon fluviatilis and the Ocellated Pufferfish Tetraodon cutcutia. Then there is a very similar looking fish, Xenopterus naritus, that is sometimes called the Bronze Puffer.
   In the saltwater area there are a couple puffers called 'Golden' or 'Gold' puffers. One is the Guineafowl puffer Arothron meleagris and occasionally the Blackspotted or Dog-faced Puffer Arothron nigropunctatus.

Status:
   These fish are not endangered.

Description:
   The Golden Puffer or Avocado Puffer has an unusual shape for a puffer, sporting a sleeker body. It has an iridescent gold green coloration getting slightly lighter towards the belly. The fins and tail are translucent.
   Pufferfish have the ability to 'puff' themselves up with water or air if threatened. This apparently helps keep them from being eaten. Another defense of many puffer species is to produce toxic substances in their flesh that is poisonous if eaten. The Pufferfish can be quite long lived in the aquarium, many living for 10 or more years.

Size - Weight:
   These fish can grow up to about 4.5 inches (11cm)).

Care and feeding:
   The Golden Puffers or Avocado Puffers are omnivores. In their natural environment they will eat shrimps, terrestrial insects, whole fish (only occasionally), and surprisingly enough, seeds. They prefer live or frozen foods such as shrimp, ghost shrimp (gut-loaded), bloodworms, and snails. Sometimes they can be trained to eat freeze dried foods such as krill.
   Puffers have strong teeth that grow throughout their lives. The Golden Puffer or Avocado Puffer is prone to overgrown teeth and will need to be offered hard shelled live food often to keep their teeth worn down. Feeding snails daily will help to wear down the teeth. If the teeth get too long, they will be unable to eat, requiring the owner to clip the teeth.
   Since puffers do not have gill covers or scales, they are thought to be more susceptible to diseases, nitrite, nitrate and ammonia levels. This puffer is especially sensitive to nitrites and ammonia. Consequently, like all puffers, they are not a good fish to cycle an aquarium with. Also because they usually don't eat all of their food (messy eaters!), these fish will usually put more load on the aquarium filtration requiring more frequent water changes and better maintenance in general. A generous weekly water change of 30% to 50% is the standard recommendation for a puffer aquarium.
      The Golden Puffer or Avocado Puffer don’t require a large aquarium but if you want to keep more than one or some other species with them, a well planted 50+ gallon tank is recommended. This will give the other fish plenty of room to escape in case they get chased by the puffer(s). This pufferfish is a freshwater species.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Golden Puffer or Avocado Puffer will swim in all parts of your aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temp: 74° - 82° F (23 - 28°C)

Social Behaviors:
   These pufferfish are quick and aggressive so tank mates need to be fast to survive. Larger Danios or danio-like fish would be good choices. Other puffers that have reportedly been kept successfully with them are the Malabar or Dwarf Pufferfish Carinotetraodon travancoricus and the Carinotetraodon asellus.

Sexual Differences:
   Sexual differences are unknown.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Has not been bred in captivity.

Availability:
   The Golden Puffer or Avocado Puffer are commonly available.