Congo Puffer Colors

[pufferjw]

Hello all,

I was just wondering about the different color variations of congo puffers. I've heard that there are normal ones and red ones, but I can't find anything more on the web about this. When I got mine he was entirely red, but he's changed from white to brown to beige since. However, his belly has always been red. Any information of congo puffer coloration would be greatly appreciated.

[Pufferpunk]

They are one of the most adept camouflaging fish out there. To keep a red Congo puffer really red, you need to add red gravel to his sand. I used 75% black sand, mixed with 25% red gravel.

[pufferjw]

Thank you. I already added black sand to the fish tank I got for christmas, so I just need to put in some red gravel. What exactly makes red congo puffers different from regular ones if they also change color? Is it that their bellies are always red?

[Pufferpunk]

IDK what you mean by "regular". I have seen them as bright red, brick red, brown, tan & cream. My fellow lived in my deceased red Congo's tank with the above-described gravel & never turned a speck of red. I call him, Tatertot.

[pufferjw]

Okay, thank you for the information. Cute congo BTW.

[Pufferpunk]

Thanks, he eats like a PIG! It's funny, he can't see food right in front of him though...

[pufferjw]

Lol. I mostly feed mine raw tiger shrimp(which are the same size of him) and he'll eat half of one and then inflate with food.

[Pufferpunk]

Please offer a varied diet. Mine love earthworms. I also soak all his dead foods in Vita-Chem.

[pufferjw]

I know, I also feed him gut-loaded red cherry shrimp and mussels as well.