The greenpufferfish or Ceylonpufferfish (Dichotomycterefluviatilis, syn. Tetraodonfluviatilis) is a species of pufferfish foundin South and SoutheastAsia. Its habitat includes rivers, estuaries, lakes and flood plains. It lives in fresh to slightly brackish water.

DIET

• This species is primarily carnivorous, eating mollusks, crustaceans and invertebrates. Occasionally, algae and plant matter as well as fish scales and other ocean detritus is consumed.

• Relishes all kinds of shellfish, as well as worms and other live and frozen foods. It should be fed snails and unshelled shellfish (such as crab legs, mussels etc.)

• In captivity, it will eat some vegetation and commercial fish food. The green pufferfish has a sharp front beak, allowing it to crush shellfish and crabs.

• regularly, in order to maintain its sharp teeth. As with other puffers, these grow continuously and become a problem for the fish if they’re not kept ground down

DESCRIPTION

• The green pufferfish grows up to a total length (TL) of 17 centimetres (6.7 in), with a white underbelly and a metallic yellow or green top covered in black spots, bulging eyes which are metallic blue colour, and a very thick and broad forehead. 

• Its body usually has a leathery texture, but green pufferfish grown in captivity tend to have smoother skin. Its flesh contains a virulent toxin, and should not be eaten.

ENVIRONMENT

Freshwater; brackish; demersal; potamodromous, Tropical; 24°C - 28°C.

DISTRIBUTION

Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Borneo.

BEHAVIOUR AND COMPATIBILITY

• This fish is generally peaceful, but becomes more aggressive as it ages.[ambiguous]

• The green pufferfish is able to scare off predators by inflating its body with both water and air, more than doubling in size.

• Most pufferfish have spines, as well, and these generally help ward off predators.

BIOLOGY

• Lays 200 eggs which are attached to a hard, flat submerged surface in shallow water. A parent guards the eggs until hatching. Adults have been observed tending schools of fry.

• Adults occur usually in slow-moving rivers, estuaries and the upper reaches of backwaters. Prefers shady, marginal areas. Feed on mollusks, crustaceans and other invertebrates as well as vascular plants and detritus. Occasionally feed on fish scales and fins. The muscular tissue and viscera are extremely toxic.