The up to 40 cm long Nile pufferfish (Tetraodon lineatus) is a magnificent freshwater species from Africa. We have presented it in detail here: https://www.aquariumglaser.de/fischarchiv/tetraodon-lineatus-15-20-cm/
For some time now, we have also bred specimens of this species from Indonesia in stock. In Nigeria – the home of these fish – fewer and fewer people want to earn a living as fishermen. There too, the so-called work-life balance plays a major role and an air-conditioned office seems more attractive to many than a job in the wild. Although ornamental fish catchers earn significantly more than their colleagues who catch fish for food, there are now supply bottlenecks for some species for the reasons mentioned, which are then filled by bred fish.
We have noticed that the offspring are considerably more tolerant towards conspecifics than individuals from wild waters. We can keep these fish, which we receive in sizes of around 2 cm, together without any problems. They also get along wonderfully when they have grown to 6 cm. We haven’t had them here for longer than that.
These may already be the first signs of domestication. Because behavior is just as hereditary as external characteristics. When establishing a breeding stock, you will always select individuals that get along particularly well. Later, animals that have shown themselves to be peaceful during rearing will be used for further breeding, as only then is stress-free rearing possible on a larger scale.
For our customers: the offspring have code 190310 (2 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
