Are they really that rare?

[Corvus]

Have a look here:

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... 15&page=12

and here:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6986&p=71493&hilit= ... tus#p71493

and here:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... 15&page=13

Have seen them for 360-700$.

[taureandragon76]

Thanks for the links. Ya they do look quite similar eh. I think I will just stick with my $50 Fahaka

[grubbster]

There were 2 at Maidenhead Aquatics in Farnham - originally for £300 each. I know they sold one but haven't been there for ages so I don't know about the second one. It did look pretty stressed and unhappy last time I saw it:(

[groovitudedude]

Thanks for the links. Ya they do look quite similar eh. I think I will just stick with my $50 Fahaka

LOL Mine was $15

Nice puffers though. But not worth the extra 400 bucks.

[puffertt77]

Any idea as to what the price is in comparision to the Fahaka? IMO if they are that rare and expensive why not get a Fahaka and leave the rare one in the river.

$400 on MTF, see quote below

MFK have a stock list of fish they're selling and the Tetraodon Pustulatus is on it!

So if you guys from the US want one get on there quick
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... p?t=218561

There's also the following puffers for sale:-
Mbu
Ninja Puffer Tetraodon erythrotaenia
Dot-Line Puffer Tetraodon sp.
Colombian Striped Puffer Colomesus assellus
Pea Puffer Tetraodon travancoricus

Have a look here:

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... 15&page=12

and here:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6986&p=71493&hilit= ... tus#p71493

and here:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forum ... 15&page=13

Have seen them for 360-700$.

Very nice looking fish, it's mint green over the yellow of the Fahaka and the stripes are a brighter red and don't go from the front of the fish to the back

I'd love one

[Corvus]

I do not think it is determined for sure if they are really separate species or if the pustulatus is just a regional variant or subspecies, since there appear to be transgressions between the two (fish, which coloration is right in between the ones illustrated in the links above). And if they are separate species, the morphological characters useful for differentiation have not been clearly determined yet.

[groovitudedude]

I do not think it is determined for sure if they are really separate species or if the pustulatus is just a regional variant or subspecies, since there appear to be transgressions between the two (fish, which coloration is right in between the ones illustrated in the links above). And if they are separate species, the morphological characters useful for differentiation have not been clearly determined yet.

Excellent theory. Have you considered the difference in the species at a young age? I was thinking about how the Pustulatus has red dots, where T. Lineatus usually has lines/stipes at the same age. It could be regional, but they are awfully similar.

That one guy that has two on MFK keeps them together, so I don't think they have the same temperment as fahakas, but that's just a guess. I have no clue.

[Corvus]

The pustulatus seems to have the spots for a longer time, but this differs very much within both species. Very young fahakas can be spotted (yes with red spots and black rings or with smaller yellow spots), but most young ones are mottled without lines or with only little lines. They have a wide distribution in Africa and show some variability in terms of colors and size. And if there are transgressions (forum search: "pustuhaka" and "fahakulatus"), it's almost impossible to tell them apart with what we know so far.

I've read that pustulatus have been seen in groups in nature, so I was assuming the same in terms of character, but on the other hand a batch exported was really aggressive towards each other. And then there are some peaceful fahakas... certainly each one has its personality, most are mean to their own species.

I guess this puzzle can only be solved on a scientific basis when the holotype (original specimen on which the species is based) and some fish specifically from the type locality are taken into consideration.

[groovitudedude]

I've read that pustulatus have been seen in groups in nature, so I was assuming the same in terms of character, but on the other hand a batch exported was really aggressive towards each other. And then there are some peaceful fahakas... certainly each one has its personality, most are mean to their own species.

This is what makes puffers so great! It's not like I can afford one, let alone find one anyway. That would be cool.