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The Mbu pufferfish, also known as Mbuna pufferfish, giant pufferfish, or giant freshwater pufferfish (Tetraodon mbu), is a carnivorous freshwater pufferfish originating from the middle and lower sections of the Congo River in Africa, as well as the east coast of Lake Tanganyika near the Malagarasi River mouth.
| Mbu pufferfish | |
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| At the Särkänniemi Aquarium | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family: | Tetraodontidae |
| Genus: | Tetraodon |
| Species: | T. mbu
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| Binomial name | |
| Tetraodon mbu Boulenger, 1899
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Description
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The species is commonly referred to as the giant freshwater pufferfish due to its massive size, growing to a length of 67 cm (26 inches). As such, these fish are difficult to adequately house in home aquaria since they require a very large tank and appropriately scaled water filtration.
Mbu puffers are distinct from other members of the Tetraodon genus due to their labyrinthine patterns of skin pigmentation, in contrast to mottled or straight-striped patterns such as those seen in Fahaka pufferfish.[2] These patterns become more pronounced as adults.
Like all of its relatives, the Mbu puffer is capable of inflating itself with water or air when stressed or otherwise frightened.
Diet
editIt feeds on smaller fish, mollusks, crustaceans, snails, worms, and crayfish. Species kept in captivity require a varied diet consisting of shelled foods to help ensure good health and to prevent tooth overgrowth.
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Juvenile mbu puffer
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Adult mbu puffer showing its elaborate skin patterns
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In Tanzania
References
edit- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Tetraodon mbu". FishBase.
- ^ Moelants, T.; Ntakimazi, G. (2010). "Tetraodon mbu". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T182314A7857179. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T182314A7857179.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ Shoji, Hiroto; Iwasa, Yoh (7 November 2005). "Labyrinthine versus straight-striped patterns generated by two-dimensional Turing systems". Journal of Theoretical Biology. 237 (1): 104–116. Bibcode:2005JThBi.237..104S. doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2005.04.003. ISSN 0022-5193. PMID 15936775.
