The Puffer Forum

Iv finally found a store that will order a fahaka puffer for me. I just read on here that they can grow to about 18 inches, is this common for them to grow this big? I think I read somewhere else that they grow to about 13 inches.
I have a 150 gallon tank that is 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 1/2 feet tall. Just wondering if thats big enough.

Thanks for the replies

In the pufferpedia, they say the minimum housing requirements for a Fahaka is normally 125Gallons, so if you got a 150G tank, then in theory that should be more than enough to house one comfortably...

as for size, unfortunately i haven't had the chance to own one myself so i can't tell you what their average size would be...

TobiasRieper wrote:Iv finally found a store that will order a fahaka puffer for me. I just read on here that they can grow to about 18 inches, is this common for them to grow this big? I think I read somewhere else that they grow to about 13 inches.
I have a 150 gallon tank that is 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 1/2 feet tall. Just wondering if thats big enough.

Thanks for the replies

That is definitely big enough. At a minimum for ANY fish you want a tank wide enough for the fish to turn around in without flexing (a 2ft wide tank is fine for a 18" MAX length fish) and a suitable length (I prefer tanks 3ftlong for small fish (1-5") and 4-8 feet long for larger fish (6-20"). For example if you were to keep an Emperor Cichlid, Peacock Bass Cichlid, or for you Puffer Keepers; Mbu Puffer so it can live to its full potential size you'd want a tank around 4ft or more wide and 8ft long minimum.

The puffer might be happier in a longer tank, but that is definitely big enough for it to be comfortable in and with the free live food coming from you I'm sure it would do fine in your tank!

~Ed

A 150 would be very nice for a Fahaka actually. The big bonus to it is that extra wide front to back turning room.

That's one of the reasons we actually don't like to suggest 125's, because they don't give a fahaka enough room to turn easily which can lead to spine issues.. a 120 is actually better due to being wider front to back.

If it was up to me, I'd also add a sump if at all possible.. extra water volume never hurts, especially with the big guys. But a 150 would be great for a Fahaka, yes. Most of them grow to around 12", but if a very young one was started off in a good sized tank like that and not stunted, it could very well get significantly longer/larger.

Like it has been said, i too would reckon it would be fine.

Dispite being listed at a possible 18" ive never seen any, anywhere near. Even on the internet, some pushing 14-15" yes but that extra 3-4" in length makes a massive difference

Thanks for the quik replies I cant wait till the fish store orders it! They have one there but its not for sale. Such a cool fishy!