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Freshwater fishMbu Puffer
Mbu Puffer
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The holy grail of pet puffers, the MBU puffer. Like all puffers, they have beaks to break apart their food. If threatened, they can blow up to three times their normal size. When they get big, it takes a master aquarist to keep these fish compatible with other tank mates. Most people keep these as single pets. Snails, frozen and live feeders, and crayfish are all foods consumed by the MBU.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pao mbu |
| Origin | Congo River basin and Lake Tanganyika, Africa |
| Care Level | Expert only (grows very large) |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Adult Size | Up to 2 feet |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Diet | Carnivore (meaty foods, snails) |
| Water Temperature | 75–82°F |
| pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Group Size | Single |
| Shipping Size | Approx. 3½–4" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: Give them plants, rocks and hiding places, and good filtration, since puffers are messy eaters.
Feeding: Puffers need meaty foods and usually won't eat flake. Feed frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp once a day. They also enjoy small snails, which help keep their teeth trimmed.
Tankmates: Mbu puffers grow very large and are best kept alone.
Good to know: Mbu puffers are the largest freshwater puffers and often become very tame, recognizing their owners.
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