Spotted Congo Puffer

Tetraodon schoutedeni

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Other names: Leopard puffer, Congo spotted puffer, Schoutedeni

Group: Oddballs and specialty fish · Family: Tetraodontidae · Origin: Central Africa — Lower Congo River

A 10 cm Congo puffer with a yellowish-beige body covered in round dark brown spots. It lives entirely in fresh water; it is a snail hunter and nips fins.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult size: 10 cm
Minimum tank size: 80 liters
Social structure: Solitary
Swimming zone: Middle
Diet: Carnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature24–28°C

pH6.5–7.5

General hardness (GH)5–15 dGH

Recommended range

Fin nipper Eats shrimp Eats snails Suitable for planted tanks

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The spotted Congo puffer is a small freshwater puffer from the Lower Congo River. The dark brown spots on its light beige background give it a leopard-like look. It stays around 10 cm and does not need salt. It is rarely available in the trade; among African puffers it is one of the best suited to small aquariums.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 80 liters for a single individual.
Sand or fine gravel substrate, rocks and roots; hiding places.
25–27°C, water close to neutral; gentle flow and good oxygenation.
A powerful filter and 30% water changes every week.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Carnivorous. It is fed snails, frozen bloodworms, mysis and small shell-on shrimp. Snails and shelled foods are needed to wear down the teeth.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Curious but territorial; it bites the fins of slow fish and hunts shrimp and snails.

Good companions: the safest option is to keep it alone.

Avoid: community fish, long-finned species, shrimp, snails, other puffers.

A short profile for this species

The Spotted Congo Puffer page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.

Natural Habitat Group and Colony Structure Breeding Health and Common Problems Sexing

Tank mates

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