The Puffer Forum

HI, im new to the forum, and I ordered a Monotrete Leiurus that will hopefully be arriving tomorrow, just wondering if I could get any input on these puffers as I can't find any anywhere else. Thanks!!

That particular species hasn't been seen available in the aquarium trade for quite some time. My guess is it's probably one of the other "target" species, like the M turgidus.

Hmmm, then i'll post a picture once its delivered just to make sure. Thanks!

Please do! I'm surprised you didn't insist on a pic of the fish before you paid for it.

What do you mean by "target" species? I've seen this term on a few occasions and curious as to what it means.

There are a group of lurker puffers in the genus: Monotrete, who all look similar & have a "target" eyespot mark on them. Included in that group are the M leurius, turgidus, cutcutia, cochinchinensis, barbatus, Cambodgiensis & probably a few more rare ones.

Thanks. I've never really done too much research on Monotretes as I've not really been interested in them. However, when I picked up Ares this past weekend the couple I got him from also have a Congo that was absolutely adorable! Seeing them in pictures I wasn't at all interested in them, but I think seeing one in real life might have changed my feelings for them...lol!!! I'm beginning to grow fond of them...maybe an acquired "taste"...lol! They look like bulldogs with their jowls!

Nahum- I can't wait to see a pic of your new puff, whatever he might be!

A member/trader here had them from time to time, which he confirmed by pictures, he even had color varieties. I believe his name was Sean and he was from Singapore (?). Since Singapore still is one of the most important or even THE most important market place for ornamental freshwater fishes, it is at least possible they can exported, even if it is much more probable they are sold to Japan (well, not right now I guess), because there is not much demand for such species in Northern America or Europe. A few years ago also other long snouted specimens very similar to M. leiurus : M. barbatus, now called M. cambodgiensis occured in trade e.g. in England, sometimes labelled as M. leiurus.

As a side note: Just as M. turgidus M. leiurus does not always have a clear eye or target spot. In fact, some of the oldest illustrations show fishes without.

Here are some links:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=11947

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4650&p=49456

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=10433&p=105006#p105006

Alright, he has arrived let me just acclimate him and as soon as thats over ill snap some pictures.

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We need one in focus. Wait until he's adjusted to the tank. Make sure he has a cave to hang out in.

alright, hes now swimming around and not completely hiding in his cave. sorry i cant find my camera charger and my iphone doesnt take good pics... tonight i'll find the charger until then, i snapped these.


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M turgidus.

man, that blows my spirits.