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Congo Puffers require an aquarium of at least 15 gallons (70 liters). The minimum tank dimensions for a Tetraodon miurus would be 24” x 12” x 12” (60cm x 30cm x 30cm).
Over the last 10 to 15 years, keeping freshwater pufferfish has grown in popularity massively. Maybe due to the rise in fishkeeping YouTubers showcasing them or maybe just because the internet has allowed us access to so many more species. Either way, from the tiny Dwarf Puffer to the massive Mbu Puffer, there is a pufferfish for every aquarium.
I have been keeping puffer fish for over 10 years. I currently have a number of different species in my fish room. Tetraodon miurus, also known as the Congo Puffer, is one of my favorite puffers. Although my Miurus Puffer lives alone, it is still one of my favorite aquariums to watch.
I have written a huge number of articles about pufferfish over the years. If you are looking for more information about keeping a Congo Puffer, why not check out my article Congo Puffer Ultimate Care Guide.
Congo Puffer Tank Set-Up
When it comes to setting up an aquarium for a Congo Puffer, the most important aspect to consider is the substrate.
It is really important to give your Congo Puffer a sand substrate. As ambush predators, Congo Puffers want to be able to bury themselves up to their eyes. They will sit, buried, until potential prey swims close enough for them to strike. A layer of around 4” (10cm) is the minimum that should be provided.
Other decor in the Congo Puffer aquarium is not especially important to the puffer. In my Congo Puffers aquarium, I have a few rocks and some live plants. I like to think both the rocks and plants give my aquarium a ‘natural’ feel, but in reality, the congo puffer isn’t too worried about decor.
Puffer Keepers Top Tip
Almost every species of pufferfish will appreciate a sandy substrate. This sand from Amazon is the best I have found. I use it in ALL my pufferfish tanks.
Congo Puffer Tank Filtration, Heating And Lighting
In the wild, Congo Puffers come from rivers and streams where the flow is often quite fast. In my own Congo Puffer aquarium, I have tried to recreate this by adding a couple of wave makes.
Filtration is also important in a Congo Puffer aquarium. I find a canister filter works best. I use a Fluval canister filter as I find it keeps the water really clean. I have written extensively about Fluval filters, including this article titled Are Fluval Filters Good?.
Congo Puffers want their aquarium water to be kept around 75°F to 82°F (23°C to 27°C) so they will need a good quality, reliable water heater to regulate their aquarium temperature.
Lighting is not especially important for Congo Puffers. I keep live plants with mine, so I use a Fluval Aquasky LED light, but in reality, any light will be fine.
- 6500K white LEDs with tri-colored RGB LEDs offer an adjustable light spectrum
- Replicates various natural environments, as well as creating cloud cover, fading lunar, storm and lightning effects
- Skypad remote control: adjust your color & sky effects; choose from up to 11 preset sky effects and a wide array of color selections
- 120 degree light dispersion for full area coverage and uniform lighting
- Extendable mounting brackets allow easy installation on a variety of aquarium widths
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Congo Puffer Tank Mates
Congo Puffers are not what you might call sociable. In fact, they are downright aggressive. Congo Puffers should most definitely be kept alone, without exception. They will kill and eat anything you place in their aquarium!
In Conclusion
Congo Puffers require an aquarium that is at least 15 gallons (70 liters). As always, bigger is better if you can provide it, but as this puffer only reaches around 6” (15cm) and has to live alone, there is no point in providing an aquarium that is too large. The space would be wasted.
