- Credit - Lindsey harrison - Fish INC - http://www.cichlidmania.netLadies and gentlemen, may we introduce the nile puffer or Fahaka as it is known.
Known since the turn of the century, as Tetrodon lineatus it has had its named changed recently to tetrodon Fahaka. Tetra meaning 4 and odon refering to the teeth. The term Fahaka is arabic slang for a 'dogs body' type empolyee. Its quite widespread over northern africa, in the nile river systems and related lakes. It is doubtful that most puffers sold as Fahaka's actually are because they seem to be a number of morphs in both size and colour. Breeding habits between these morpths also differ. But they are all classed as paternal.
Feeding these little beasties is quite easy they enjoy snails, cockles, mussle's and shrimps. With good feeding, most will reach upto about 12" although it must be said i have seen them considerabley larger than this. But reports that they reach upto two and a half feet are unlikely and could possibley be down to miss identification with the Mbu.
These fish have great personalities but each one is different, some maybe social, some maybe killers. everyone is different. One thing to note with Pufferfish of all varieties, is that if they are not fed correctly with 'shell' foods such as whole cockles in shells and snails, there is a possibility that the teeth will overgrow.
Puffers teeth grow constantly through their lives and are generally worn down by eating prey animals, such as mollusc's and snails. If these items are not part of their diet, their teeth get too large to be able to cope with prey items. If this happens the teeth can easily be cut back with nail clipers. Sounds tricky but is actually quite easy to do. Fahaka's are not as prone to this condition. as some other species Ie. columeseus.
