Green Spotted Pufferfish

Dichotomyctere nigroviridis

Green Spotted Pufferfish is a middle swimmer. Best kept as a solitary specimen.

AggressiveMiddle swimmerBest kept as a solitary specimenIntermediate – Advanced

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

Quick facts

Adult size: 5.9–6.7" (15–17 cm)
Aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 7.5–8.5
GH: 9–10 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years
Group behavior: Best kept as a solitary specimen

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 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 7.5–8.5, GH 9–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Green Spotted Pufferfish is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Shrimp safe: No
Snail safe: No

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Provide varied meaty foods including shelled snails and crustaceans for dental wear; plan biological filtration at target salinity.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Best kept as a solitary specimen.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Natural habitat: Coastal brackish waters, freshwater rivers and floodplains.

Breeding notes

Plan long-term brackish-to-marine care for this puffer, not a standard freshwater community. Confirm the fish's current salinity and prepare an appropriately cycled aquarium before any acclimation.

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) Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 75–86°F (24–30°C) Aurora Cichlid Maylandia aurora Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.4" (≤ 8.7 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°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) Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35.4" (≤ 90 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Barca Snakehead Channa barca Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 41.3" (≤ 105 cm) 50–82°F (10–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Green Spotted Pufferfish get?

Green Spotted Pufferfish reaches 5.9–6.7" (15–17 cm).

What aquarium size does Green Spotted Pufferfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Green Spotted Pufferfish peaceful?

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

What temperature is suitable for Green Spotted Pufferfish?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Green Spotted Pufferfish be kept alone or in a group?

Green Spotted Pufferfish: Best kept as a solitary specimen.