mbu pufferfish
{{Short description|Species of fish}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=May 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{multiple issues|
{{one source|date=May 2022}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2022}}
}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Mbu pufferfish
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| image = Tetraodon mbu 2.jpg
| image_caption = At the Särkänniemi Aquarium
| taxon = Tetraodon mbu
| authority = Boulenger, 1899
| range_map = Tetraodon mbu map.jpg
}}
The Mbu pufferfish, also known as Mbuna pufferfish, giant pufferfish, or giant freshwater pufferfish (Tetraodon mbu), is a carnivorous freshwater pufferfish originating from the middle and lower sections of the Congo River in Africa, as well as the east coast of Lake Tanganyika near the Malagarasi River mouth.
Description
File:Tetraodon mbu 14554131.jpg.]]
The species is commonly referred to as the giant freshwater pufferfish due to its massive size, growing to a length of 67 cm (26 inches). As such, these fish are difficult to adequately house in home aquaria since they require a very large tank and appropriately scaled water filtration.
Mbu puffers are distinct from other members of the Tetraodon genus due to their labyrinthine patterns of skin pigmentation, in contrast to mottled or straight-striped patterns such as those seen in Fahaka pufferfish.{{Cite journal |last1=Shoji |first1=Hiroto |last2=Iwasa |first2=Yoh |date=2005-11-07 |title=Labyrinthine versus straight-striped patterns generated by two-dimensional Turing systems |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002251930500158X |journal=Journal of Theoretical Biology |language=en |volume=237 |issue=1 |pages=104–116 |doi=10.1016/j.jtbi.2005.04.003 |pmid=15936775 |bibcode=2005JThBi.237..104S |issn=0022-5193}} These patterns become more pronounced as adults.
Like all of its relatives, the Mbu puffer is capable of inflating itself with water or air when stressed or otherwise frightened.
Diet
It feeds on smaller fish, mollusks, crustaceans, snails, worms, and crayfish. Species kept in captivity require a varied diet consisting of shelled foods to help ensure good health and to prevent tooth overgrowth.
File:Juvenile Mbu pufferfish.jpg|Juvenile mbu puffer
File:Giant Puffer fish skin pattern.JPG|Adult mbu puffer showing its elaborate skin patterns
File:Tetraodon mbu 53193499.jpg|In Tanzania
References
- {{FishBase|Tetraodon|mbu}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q1516813}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:pufferfish, Mbu}}
Category:Taxa named by George Albert Boulenger
{{Tetraodontiformes-stub}}