Info Wanted On Mbu

[doresy]

Ok, so I know nothing of Mbu other than I think it would be fab to have one! Don't want to ask LFS as I am sure the answers are here in the forum members

Right, start at the begining......

1. what does Mbu stand for?
2. How big does the tank need to be?
3. special equipment/needs?
4. single fish?
5. best type for novice (experienced in TF)

would prefer answers from experienced keepers (and photo of yours please )

 

[WILDER]

Need very large tanks wouldn't bother to be honest.

http/www.pufferresources.net/puffer_prof...ewtopic.php?t=8

 

[doresy]

Need very large tanks wouldn't bother to be honest.

Has to be that big huh? Thought as much. No wonder they look so glum in a 24"x12" at the lfs! Photos in the forum make them so wantable Thanks for your imput
Just viewed that link.....wow see what you mean Are there any similar alternatives other than pigmy puffers?

 

[WILDER]

Would at least need 200 gallons to start off at, but then as they grow they need really large tanks, which most members are not able to get.
To be honest they shouldn't be selling them to the public unless they can keep them in a very large tank.

 

[Puffdaddy]

First thing is, if your not already aware of this fish gets very large very fast (more than 2 feet). Meaning they well require a
huge tank, 1000gl for an adult. Tetraodon Mbu is its scientific name. Puffers also need high water quality and maintenance. They vicious and dirty eaters and well require many shelled foods. Sorry you can not keep them with other tank mates. Mbu's will eat just about anything you put in the tank (even your fingers if your not careful). I would recommend another kind of puffer
this fish is for serious experts only.

I sure hope this help in making a wise decision.

Any other Q's please ask.

 

[doresy]

I would recommend another kind of puffer
this fish is for serious experts only.

I sure hope this help in making a wise decision.

Any other Q's please ask.


Yes thanks for that. I kinda got the impression that they are out of my reach! However, you mentioned recommending another kind of puffer? Other than the pigmy what would you suggest? Please take my original questions into consideration. I guess by your title that you maybe an authority on the subject

 

[Puffdaddy]

Yes here are a few alternatives.

Red Eye Puffer- 3" Freshwater
Figure Eight Puffer- 4" Freshwater
Congo Puffer- 6" Freshwater
Green Spotted Puffer- 6" Brackish (see avatar)

Anything else?

 

[doresy]

Yes here are a few alternatives.

Red Eye Puffer- 3" Freshwater
Figure Eight Puffer- 4" Freshwater
Congo Puffer- 6" Freshwater
Green Spotted Puffer- 6" Brackish (see avatar)

Anything else?

Thanks again....off to bed now will follow this up tomorrow

 

[pica_nuttalli]

you forgot the South American Puffer (3")

FYI, doresy, any future questions that you may have about puffers would be better posted in the Oddball or Brackish section . (if you aren't sure about whether its a brackish puffer or not, just assume that it's freshwater.)

 

[demonmagus]

figure eight is also slightly brackish isn't it?

 

[Fella]

The puffers in aquaria pinned topic would come in useful here.

 

[DiscusAngel]

Fahaka(Sp.) Puffers gt 16" ish? and it sounds like he wants a big puffer these are good puffers i think min tank would be about 7x2.5x2.5 maybe less? i dont really know anyting about this puffer only that itdoesnt get as big as the mbu and is very nice.

 

[The-Wolf]

1. what does Mbu stand for?

Tetraodon Mbu is its scientific name.

correct but to elaborate further
Tetraodon from Greek, tetra = four + Greek, odous = teeth
Mbu from swahili means mosquito

 

[Rocker]

I always thought mbu was swahili for 'rock'

 

[andywg]

And strangely, according to the scientific literature I have, the Order Tetraodontiformes don't have any true teeth at all, but the beaks are made of material more in keeping with the jaw than dental structures.