Congo pufferfish
Species of fish / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Congo puffer or potato puffer (Tetraodon miurus) is a freshwater pufferfish found in areas of the Congo River in Africa, including rapids.
Congo pufferfish | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
Family: | Tetraodontidae |
Genus: | Tetraodon |
Species: | T. miurus |
Binomial name | |
Tetraodon miurus | |
Synonyms[1] | |
Tetrodon miurus |
The Congo puffer populations in the wild are still healthy in suitable habitats and it is considered 'Least Concern' by the IUCN[1]
Congo puffer can grow to an approximate length of 15 cm.[2]
They are inactive fishes, spending most of their time buried in sand or other substrate, with the ability to adapt their colouration to hide from potential prey. However, many colour variations are seen within the species, ranging from black to sandy to bright red. It will not change to blue, though, but if in a dark substrate will generally become darker in color.
Like all members of the genus Tetraodon, the Congo puffer is capable of inflating itself with water or air when stressed or otherwise frightened. It also has a deadly toxin like most species.