Avocado Puffer, also known as the Palembang Puffer (Pao palembangensis), is a unique and intriguing freshwater pufferfish species. They are popular among aquarists for their distinctive appearance and interesting behaviors. Here’s detailed information about the Avocado Puffer:
The Avocado Puffer has a mottled green, brown, and yellow body with a somewhat rough texture. The patterning and colors resemble the skin of an avocado, hence the name.
They have a typical pufferfish body shape, which is oval and somewhat elongated, with large eyes and a small mouth.
Adults typically reach about 4-6 inches in length.A minimum of a 30-gallon tank is recommended for a single Avocado Puffer. Larger tanks are needed if you plan to keep more than one, though keeping multiple puffers together can be challenging due to their territorial nature.
They prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.5-8.5 and a temperature range of 75-82°F (24-28°C). Clean, well-filtered water is crucial for their health.
Avocado Puffers are carnivorous and require a diet of hard-shelled foods to help wear down their continuously growing teeth. Suitable foods include snails, shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans.
They can be aggressive and territorial, especially towards other puffers. It’s often best to keep them alone or with very carefully chosen tank mates.