Latin name

Dichotomyctere fluviatilis

Other name

Ceylon pufferfish

Identification

The body of the green pufferfish is short and rounded, with bulging eyes and a very thick and broad forehead. Its body is usually hard textured, but captive bred fish tend to have smoother skin.

Features of fish fins

Fish of this species do not have pelvic fins, but the pectoral fins are well developed and allow them to move both forward and backward.

Fish colouring

The green pufferfish has a white underparts and a metallic yellow-green upperparts with black spots. The eyes are metallic blue. 

Distribution

Widespread in South and Southeast Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Borneo. It has also been recorded in the Mekong Delta.

Habitat

Tropical bottom dwelling potamodromous species. Its habitat includes rivers, estuaries, lakes and floodplains. They live in fresh or slightly brackish water.

Size

Fish of this species grow up to 17 centimetres long.

Behavior

Adults usually inhabit slow-flowing rivers, estuaries and headwater ponds. It prefers shaded coastal areas.

Food and feeding habits

This species is primarily carnivorous, feeding on molluscs, crustaceans and invertebrates. Sometimes algae and plant matter are eaten, as well as fish scales and other marine debris. In captivity it will eat some vegetation and feed on commercial fish. The green pufferfish has a sharp anterior beak that allows it to crush clams and crabs.

Reproduction

Green pufferfish lay about 200 eggs on a hard, flat surface in shallow water. The parent guards the eggs until they hatch. Adults have been observed looking after schools of young.

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

The muscle tissue and internal organs of these fish are extremely poisonous. They are common in aquariums, but adults are known to be quarrelsome and aggressive towards their fellow aquarium members.