Cross River Red Spot Puffer – Tetraodon pustulatus, 3IN

The Cross River Red Spot Puffer (Tetraodon pustulatus) is a rare and highly sought-after African freshwater puffer known for its powerful body shape, distinctive red-to-orange spotting, and highly interactive personality.

Also known as the Cross River Puffer or Nigerian Red Spot Puffer, this species is considerably less common in the aquarium trade than many other freshwater puffers and makes an impressive centerpiece fish for experienced aquarists.

This listing is for Cross River Red Spot Puffers approximately 3 in / 7.6 cm in current size.

Scientific Name: Tetraodon pustulatus
Common Name: Cross River Puffer / Red Spot Puffer / Nigerian Red Spot Puffer
Family: Tetraodontidae
Origin: Nigeria / Cameroon – Cross River Basin
Current Size: Approx. 3 in / 7.6 cm
Adult Size: Up to approximately 16 in / 40 cm
Temperament: Aggressive / Predatory
Care Level: Advanced
Swimming Level: Mid to Lower / All Levels
Diet: Carnivorous / Molluscivorous

Aquarium Recommendation

Cross River Puffers grow into large, powerful freshwater predators and require a spacious aquarium with excellent filtration and substantial swimming space.

Provide a combination of:

• Open swimming areas
• Soft sand substrate
• Driftwood
• Rocks
• Plants or visual barriers
• Shaded hiding areas

A well-structured aquarium gives the fish areas to explore while also providing open space for swimming.

Because puffers are messy, protein-heavy feeders, strong biological and mechanical filtration is especially important.

A secure aquarium lid is recommended.

Water Parameters

Temperature: 75–80°F / 24–27°C
pH: Approximately 6.5–7.5
Flow: Moderate
Filtration: Strong
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm

Stable water conditions and excellent water quality are essential.

Regular partial water changes and removal of uneaten food are strongly recommended.

Feeding

Cross River Puffers are predatory carnivores and should receive a varied protein-rich diet.

Recommended foods include:

• Snails
• Shrimp
• Mussels
• Clams
• Crayfish
• Other appropriately sized crustaceans
• Frozen meaty foods

Hard-shelled foods are particularly important because pufferfish have continuously growing beak-like teeth that require regular natural wear.

Avoid relying exclusively on soft foods.

Tank Mates

Cross River Puffers are territorial predators and may bite, injure, or consume other aquarium inhabitants.

Keeping this species alone is strongly recommended.

Individual temperament can vary, but tank mates should never be assumed to be safe simply because they are similar in size.

Individual Appearance

Cross River Red Spot Puffers may naturally vary in:

• Red/orange spot intensity
• Spot placement and distribution
• Base coloration
• Body markings
• Body shape
• Color intensity
• Exact size

Coloration and pattern contrast can also appear different depending on lighting, mood, stress level, water conditions, and acclimation.

Care Notes

Pufferfish should never be intentionally provoked into inflating. Inflation is a defensive stress response and unnecessary handling should be avoided.

Their continuously growing teeth make an appropriate hard-shelled diet an important part of long-term care.

Cross River Puffers should only be introduced into a fully cycled and stable aquarium.

Please Note: Product photos and videos are real photos of Cross River Red Spot Puffers and are representative of current RJ AQUA stock. This is not an individually numbered specimen listing. The actual fish shipped will be selected from available stock and may naturally vary in spot pattern, coloration, markings, body shape, and exact size from the fish shown.