Golden Pufferfish

Chonerhinos naritus

Golden Pufferfish is a bottom-dwelling fish. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

AggressiveBottom dwellerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate – Advanced

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Need help with Golden Pufferfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 11.2" (≤ 28.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 5–12 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Golden Pufferfish is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Provide brackish conditions, at least around SG 1.005, and shell-bearing foods; aggressive towards tankmates.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Avacado Pufferfish Auriglobus modestus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35.4" (≤ 90 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Freshwater Pipefish Enneacampus ansorgii Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Amazon Leaffish Monocirrhus polyacanthus Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar temperature range Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Golden Pufferfish get?

Golden Pufferfish reaches ≤ 11.2" (≤ 28.5 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Golden Pufferfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 92 US gal (350 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Golden Pufferfish peaceful?

Golden Pufferfish should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Golden Pufferfish?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Golden Pufferfish be kept alone or in a group?

Golden Pufferfish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.