Red Potato puffer (Tetraodon miurus )

Bizarre, captivating, and utterly unlike any other fish — the Red Potato Puffer (Tetraodon miurus), also known as the Congo Puffer or Potato Puffer, is one of the most extraordinary and specialized freshwater pufferfish in the hobby. Named for its rounded, potato-like body shape and earthy colouration, this remarkable ambush predator from the Congo River basin is a true collector’s fish for experienced and adventurous aquarists.

Overview

Appearance

The Red Potato Puffer has a distinctively rounded, almost spherical body with a mottled red-brown to orange-brown colouration that provides excellent camouflage against sandy and rocky substrates. The eyes are positioned on top of the head and can move independently, perfectly adapted for their ambush predator lifestyle. The body colour can change dramatically — from pale cream to deep red-brown — depending on mood, health, and surroundings. This colour-changing ability is one of the most fascinating aspects of keeping this species.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 75 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 5 – 15 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for a single specimen
• Substrate: Deep, fine sand — essential for their burrowing behaviour; they spend most of their time buried with only their eyes visible
• Decor: Minimal; open sandy areas for burrowing

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: Live or frozen fish, shrimp, and other meaty foods
• Treats: Earthworms, mussels, snails, and other invertebrates
• Note: Primarily a live prey ambush predator; may require live feeder fish or shrimp initially to trigger a feeding response. Can be trained onto frozen foods with patience.

Feed every 2–3 days — do not overfeed.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept alone. The Red Potato Puffer is a highly aggressive ambush predator that will attack and consume any fish or invertebrate it can reach. A dedicated species-only tank is strongly recommended.

The Red Potato Puffer is one of the most bizarre and fascinating fish in the freshwater hobby — a living ambush predator that spends its days buried in sand, waiting to strike. A truly extraordinary species for the experienced and adventurous aquarist.