LEOPARD PUFFER small

Tetraodon nigroviridis..These fish are commonly sold at pet stores as a freshwater fish, but actually need brackish water as they mature. It is disputed over whether this is full marine, or high brackish as an adult, but it is recommended that as an adult the puffer be kept in water with a specific gravity (S.G.) of 1.015. Full marine conditions are frequently suggested and used by experienced hobbyists, as upkeep and maintenance is easier under such conditions. This is because supplemental techniques such as 24/7 lighted macroalgae refugia, protein skimmers, live rock refugia, deep sand beds or plenums, etc. may be used, where these are not suited to mid range brackish water systems. No negative change in behaviour or lifespan have be noted from such full marine conditions, but the fish kept at full-marine to near-marine specific gravity are reported to hold their colour better than those kept in light to mid-brackish conditions. Marine salt, not aquarium salt, should be used in any brackish/saltwater environment because it contains minerals beneficial to the fish and will buffer the pH of the water to the correct level.