Types of pufferfish include more than 190 species found worldwide, ranging from small freshwater pufferfish to large saltwater species kept by advanced fish hobbyists.
The pufferfish is one of the most recognizable fish due to its ability to inflate up to three times its body size, earning it the nickname “pufferfish.”
Key takeaways
- There are more than 190 types of pufferfish in the world.
- Pufferfish can live in freshwater or saltwater environments.
- Many species are aggressive and require species-only tanks.
- Sizes range from less than 1 inch to over 30 inches long.
- Pufferfish are best suited to experienced fish enthusiasts.
Freshwater Pufferfish
Types of freshwater pufferfish include smaller species typically kept in aquariums.
1. Dwarf Pufferfish
Dwarf pufferfish are the smallest type of pufferfish, measuring less than 1 inch long.
Also known as the dwarf pufferfish and the pygmy pufferfish, the dwarf pufferfish is one of the most popular pufferfish.
These fish are best kept in groups of at least six in a single-species aquarium, as they live in groups in the wild. With proper care, dwarf puffers can live six years or more as pets.
But be careful: When housing dwarf puffers, it is essential to have a secure lid on the tank, as they have been known to jump out of the water.
2. Amazonian Pufferfish
Amazonian pufferfish are small, social freshwater pufferfish that measure about 3 inches long.
Also called the South American pufferfish (or SAP for short), the Amazonian pufferfish can live eight to 10 years as a pet.
Not much is known about the reproduction of this species, which is why all Amazonian pufferfish are wild-caught.
Like dwarf pufferfish, Amazonian pufferfish should ideally be kept in groups of at least six, as they live in groups in the wild.
3. Mbu Pufferfish
The Mbu pufferfish is the largest freshwater pufferfish, reaching up to 30 inches long.
Also known as the giant pufferfish, mbu puffers can live for over 20 years with proper care.
This species is known to “practice” inflating to strengthen its muscles, so you may notice your inflator inflating without any environmental stressors.
When stressed or ill, mbu puffers can lose their color and develop a mask around their face. If this occurs, you should investigate any changes in water quality and the environment and follow up with an aquatic veterinarian.
4. Congo Spotted Pufferfish
Congo spotted puffers are aggressive freshwater puffers that grow to around 4 inches. They can live up to 10 years as pets.
This type of pufferfish is known for its unprovoked aggression, so it is best to keep them individually or in a single-species aquarium.
Like the mbu pufferfish, Congo spotted puffers can change color when stressed, creating black bars on their backs.
Congo spotted pufferfish can also retract their eyes when injured, and you may even notice them using these muscles to practice this ability.
5. Dragon Pufferfish
Balloon dragons are ambush predators that can grow up to 8 inches long.
Also known as humpback pufferfish, they should be housed alone or in a single-species aquarium. They may attempt to eat smaller mates.
Balloon dragons are crepuscular, meaning they will be most active at dawn and dusk. They have been known to jump out of a tank, so make sure it has a secure lid.
6. Yellow Pufferfish
Yellow puffers are small, aggressive freshwater puffers that grow to around 4 inches.
Also known as the golden pufferfish, this species of pufferfish will become less active as it ages and can live to be around 5 to 7 years old.
Yellow puffers are known to be aggressive, so they should only be kept in single-species tanks.
Saltwater Pufferfish
Types of saltwater pufferfish include larger species often kept in marine aquariums.
7. Valentini Pufferfish
Valentini puffers are small saltwater pufferfish that measure about 4 inches long and live five to 10 years.
For the safety of corals and pufferfish, it is best to house Valentini pufferfish in non-reef aquariums with non-aggressive fish. It is best to have only one Valentini pufferfish in your aquarium.
8. Figure 8 Pufferfish
Figure 8 puffers are small pufferfish known for their unique pattern and long lifespan.
Also known as the eyespot pufferfish, the figure 8 pufferfish can grow up to 3 inches long. They have been known to live as pets for around 15 years in good conditions.
Like many other pumps, figure 8 pumps can be aggressive, so they should be avoided in community and reef aquariums.
9. White Spotted Pufferfish
White-spotted puffers are large, solitary fish that can grow up to 18 inches.
Sometimes called starry globule, this species is commonly caught in the wild. A solitary species in the wild, white-spotted puffers are best housed alone.
Like other pufferfish, the white-spotted pufferfish is not considered safe for reef aquariums.
10. Green Spotted Pufferfish
Green-spotted puffers can grow to around 6 inches and are known to live around 10 years as pets.
Green-spotted pufferfish (or GSP for short) are commonly sold as freshwater fish, although they require saltwater conditions.
Healthy green-spotted pufferfish will usually have a rounded white belly rather than a flat belly like other species. A gray belly may indicate that your GSP is sick.
11. Porcupine Pufferfish
Porcupines are large spiny fish closely related to pufferfish.
They belong to a different family from the others because they are porcupine fish rather than puffer fish.
They are also known as long-spined porcupine fish, and you may even hear them referred to as puffer fish or hedgehog fish.
Porcupine puffers can grow between 8 and 14 inches and live up to 20 years.
They are covered in sharp spines that protrude when inflated.
12. Puffer fish with guinea fowl
Guinea fowl puffers are large saltwater fish that come in various colors and can grow up to 20 inches long.
They are close relatives of the Starry and Striped Puffer.
Guinea fowl puffers feed on coral in the wild, so they should not be housed in a reef aquarium.
FAQs on Types of Pufferfish
How many types of puffer fish are there?
There are more than 190 types of pufferfish found worldwide in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Are pufferfish aggressive?
Many pufferfish are aggressive and are best kept in species-only aquariums.
How big are puffer fish?
Pufferfish vary greatly in size, from less than 1 inch to more than 30 inches depending on the species.
Are pufferfish good pets?
Pufferfish can make unique pets, but are best suited to experienced fish lovers due to their care requirements.
