The Puffer Forum

Staring to get intrested in getting one down the road and doing some research. Desciding on tank size I'll need for one. Honestly I have read and heard MBU's are easier going, plus I like their coloration better. I have read Fahaka's get around 18-22" while MBU's get 26-30". Anyone got a straight answer by chance? These are just estimates from sites mind you, some said Fahaka's only get 6"+ which I know is BS.

Also, with these do I need brakish water or will they be fine in fresh. Heard both ways on this but I want to hear it from the experts we have here on The Puffer Forum.

Thanks for all replies for the "Cichlid guy" thats got bit by the "Puffer bug". lol

Both are 100% freshwater.

Mbu: 26" (2ft 2") Tank: 1000+
Fahaka: 18" (1ft 6") 120+

Fahaka's get much bigger then 6 inchs. I think someone on here said they have that is around 10in.

Someone else just rescued a 26in mbu

Filbert is about a foot now. I thought there was someone who recently rescued a 28" mbu here.

Oh i thought it was 26 but your more then likely right

Yep, it was a 28" Mbu.

T. mbu are massive fish and need huge tanks and support equipment. Figure on 2 feet minimum, possibly larger if well-housed and maintained from the get-go. I'd say a 3 x 3 x 8; tank would be the minimum, a 4 x4 x 8' or more a lot better.

The Fahaka is much smaller (total mas as well as length). To me a six-foot 180 (2 x 2 x 6') would be the minimum housing. Greater front-to-back distance would be better.

Both fish are FW critters, but both have wide tolerances for water hardness. Both are active and strong hunter-predators with primarily invert feeding. Both are highly intelligent fish. I would guess that either can be expected to live long lives with proper care and housing, 15 -20+ years. Both are potential jumpers, and both are splashers - shear size and speed and strength pretty much promise that.

RTR wrote:Both fish are FW critters, but both have wide tolerances for water hardness. Both are active and strong hunter-predators with primarily invert feeding. Both are highly intelligent fish. I would guess that either can be expected to live long lives with proper care and housing, 15 -20+ years. Both are potential jumpers, and both are splashers - shear size and speed and strength pretty much promise that.

Excellent advice. Also, keep in mind that fahakas are VERY aggressive fish and will even go after you if you aren't paying very close attention. Mine bit me twice in a matter of less than a second. This, of course, also rules out tankmates.