Red Eye Puffer is a small freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as the red-eyed goby and is a popular aquarium choice. They cannot be kept with other fish due to their high levels of aggression, so they get a whole tank to themselves.
They are from the family of Tetraodontidae; Its scientific name is Carinotetraodon lorteti. Some alternative names are Somphong’s Puffer and the Crested Puffer.
It is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
If you prefer a smaller tank containing just one fish to which you can form a particular connection, then the Red Eye Puffer is excellent. They have unique personalities and behaviors that make them enjoyable to watch, and they can even be trained to do tricks!
This care guide discusses everything you need about keeping Red Eye Puffers as pets, including their diet, habitat, and tank mates.
Table of Contents
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Carinotetraodon lorteti |
| Care Level: | Intermediate |
| Temperament: | Aggressive |
| Temperature Range: | 72°-78° F |
| Family: | Tetraodontidae |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Size: | 2-3 inches |
| Color Form: | Brown with red eyes |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10-20 gallons |
| Tank Set-Up: | Freshwater; heavily planted |
| Compatibility: | Keep singly |
Red Eye Puffer Appearance
The Red Eye Puffer is a small freshwater brown fish with red eyes. They have blunt heads and elongated bodies. They get their name from the fact that their eyes are blood-red. This is a result of a genetic mutation.
Their bodies are covered in tiny black dots. These dots have pores that they use to breathe. Dark lines extend all over the body in an unstructured, maze-like fashion. Only the belly remains clear. Sometimes these lines are gold.
Red Eye Puffers have four teeth used together to form a beak-like mouth. These teeth are used to grind up food.
Their fins are rounded and have a long, adipose fin that runs along their back. Males tend to be larger, and females often have a finer, more intricate design on their fins.
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Red Eye Puffer Size and Growth rate
The Red Eye Puffer is a small fish that only grows 2-3 inches long. These puffers are one of the smallest species of freshwater pufferfish.
Females are generally slightly smaller than males.
The growth rate of the Red Eye Puffer is considered to be slow. They grow slowly for the first few months, and their growth rate picks up slightly. By the time they are six months old, they should be close to their full size.
Red Eye Puffer Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Red Eye Puffer is about five years. However, some have been known to live for up to 10 years with proper care.
Red Eye Puffer Behavior and Temperament
These fishes are not meant for community tanks. They are aggressive eaters and can grow to be quite large. They are also known to be fin nippers. Because of their aggressive behavior, keeping them with other aggressive fish or in a species-only tank is best.
The Red Eye Puffer is a nocturnal fish most active at night. During the day, it will often hide in caves or among plants.
This fish is a good jumper, so having a tight-fitting lid on your tank is essential.
Red Eye Puffer Breeding
It is possible to breed Red Eye Puffers in captivity, but it is an aggressive act that can be difficult to initiate and maintain. If you are interested in breeding Red Eye Puffers, it is best to consult a professional.
You will need a large tank for breeding and a pair of mature fish. The female will lay her eggs in a cave or among plants, and the male will fertilize them. Once the eggs are fertilized, the parents will likely eat them.
Removing the eggs from the tank and incubating them in a separate tank is best to increase the chances of survival. The eggs will hatch in about two weeks. The fry must be fed small live foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms.
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Availability
Local fish stores are also great places to find Red Eye Puffers. You can often find them for less than $10 each. You may have to pay more if you want a particular color morph.
Some websites that sell Red Eye Puffers online include the following:
- Aquarium Co-Op
- That Fish Place – That Pet Place
- Drs. Foster & Smith
- LiveAquaria
- Petco
- Petsmart
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Red Eye Puffer Care Guide
The care level for Red Eye Puffers is considered to be intermediate. They are not recommended for beginner fish keepers because of their aggressive nature and specialized diet.
Red Eye Puffers are best kept singly in a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. Larger tanks are better, but make sure the tank has a tight-fitting lid, as these fish are excellent jumpers.
They are not compatible with most other fish because of their aggression. The only fish that might be able to coexist with a Red Eye Puffer are those that are too large to be eaten and those that live in the lower levels of the tank where the puffer cannot reach them.
The tank should be heavily planted with plenty of hiding places. Red Eye Puffers like to have a lot of places to hide and feel safe. Maintaining the quality of the water is essential if you want your fish to reach its maximum lifespan.
The water in the tank should be clean and well-filtered. These fish are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, so regular testing is necessary. The pH should be between 6.5-7.5, and the temperature should be 72°-78°F.
Remove uneaten food before it can decay and ruin your water quality. Wipe away excess algae as you see it too.
Red Eye Puffers are not very active fish, so they don’t need much swimming space. A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for one fish. Don’t add anything to the tank that contains copper because it can make puffers sick. Medications often have copper.
Genetics plays a role in the health of your fish. To ensure your fish are healthy, purchasing them from a reputable dealer is essential. It’s also important to provide them with a clean and healthy environment.
If you suspect your fish is sick, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
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Red Eye Puffer Food and diet
A healthy diet is essential for the health of your fish. To ensure your fish are getting the nutrients they need, feeding them a high-quality diet and providing plenty of hiding places is necessary. If you suspect your fish is sick, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
The following are some of the best foods that are recommended for a diet of fish:
- Bloodworms: Bloodworms are a type of mosquito larvae that are often used as fish food. They are a rich source of protein and other nutrients, making them excellent fish food.
- Brine shrimp: Brine shrimp are small crustaceans often used as fish food. They are a rich source of protein and other nutrients, making them excellent fish food.
- Daphnia: Daphnia is a small crustacean often used as fish food. They are a rich source of protein and other nutrients, making them excellent fish food.
- Tubifex worms: Tubifex worms are a type of segmented worm that is often used as fish food. They are a rich source of protein and other nutrients, making them excellent fish food.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are a healthy and nutritious option for the fish diet. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help improve your fish’s health. The best fish vegetables include kale, spinach, and zucchini.
- Supplement: Various accessories can be added to your fish’s diet. These supplements can give your fish the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.
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Red Eye Puffer Tank Mates
Because of their aggressive behavior, keeping the Red Eye Puffer with other aggressive fish or in a species-only tank is best.
Some suitable tank mates for the Red Eye Puffer include:
- Arowana
- Bichir
- Dwarf Gourami
- Firemouth Cichlid
- Oscar
- Pacu
- Piranha
- Rainbow Shark
- Silver Arowana
- Sumatran Tigerfish
- Uaru Cichlid
- Wels Catfish
Red Eye Puffer Tank Size
Reaching 2-3 inches, this species can comfortably be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium. They will enjoy being in larger tanks, though, as they will be less likely to get bored.
There should only be one Red Eye Puffer per aquarium due to aggression.
Water Conditions
The Red Eye Puffer requires well-oxygenated water with a moderate flow. They are not overly finicky about their water conditions if the water quality is good.
The ideal temperature range for this species is 72°-78° F. The pH should be between 6.5 to 7.5.
The Red Eye Puffer is sensitive to changes in water quality, so regular water testing is necessary. A soft, sandy substrate at the base of the aquarium is best because it’s least likely to scratch. Red Eye Puffers spend lots of time around the substrate. The most significant additions are live plants.
A filter and heater are also necessary for the tank. Be sure to use a filter appropriate for your aquarium’s size, and make sure the flow isn’t too strong for the Red Eye Puffer. An air stone can also be added to help increase oxygenation. An effective filtration system is essential because this species is a messy eater.
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Filtration
The Red Eye Puffer is a messy eater, so an effective filtration system is necessary. A filter that’s appropriate for the size of your aquarium is best.
Be sure to use a high flow rate filter and ensure the flow isn’t too strong for the Red Eye Puffer. An air stone can also be added to help increase oxygenation.
Following are some of the best filters for a Red Eye Puffer tank:
- AquaClear 50 Power Filter: This hang-on-back filter is excellent for small to medium-sized tanks. It has a flow rate of 200 gallons per hour and comes with a 3-stage filtration system.
- Fluval C4 Power Filter: This canister filter is ideal for larger tanks. It has a flow rate of 265 gallons per hour and a 4-stage filtration system.
- Aqua Tech Power Filter: This power filter is excellent for all tank sizes. It has a flow rate of 100 gallons per hour and a 3-stage filtration system.
Heating
The ideal temperature range for a Red Eye Puffer is 72°-78° F. A heater is necessary to maintain this water temperature. Be sure to get a heater appropriate for your aquarium’s size.
Following are some of the best heaters for a Red Eye Puffer tank.
- Hydro Plus Glass Aquarium Heater is ideal for small to medium-sized tanks. It has a temperature range of 68° to 89°Fahrenheit.
- Aqueon Pro Submersible Aquarium Heater: This is great for all tank sizes. It has a temperature range of 76°-88°Fahrenheit.
- Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater: This heater is ideal for larger tanks. It has a temperature range of 68°-89° Fahrenheit.
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Lighting
Red Eye Puffers don’t need special lighting, but some light to see. An essential aquarium light will suffice. Be sure to get a light appropriate for your aquarium’s size.
Following are some of the best lights for a Red Eye Puffer tank:
- Aqua Culture LED Aquarium Kit: This LED light is excellent for small to medium-sized tanks. It has a daylight and moonlight setting.
- Marineland ML90609 Portrait Glass LED Kit: It would be ideal for larger tanks. It has a daylight and moonlight setting.
- NICREW Classic LED Aquarium Light: It would be the best LED for all tank sizes. It has a daylight setting.
Live Plants
The most important addition to a Red Eye Puffer tank is live plants. Live plants help to oxygenate the water and provide a place for the fish to hide. Be sure to get appropriate plants for the size of your aquarium.
Following are some of the best live plants for a Red Eye Puffer tank:
- Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus): This plant is great for all tank sizes. It doesn’t need special lighting or fertilization.
- Anubias Nana (Anubias barteri): It would be ideal for small to medium-sized tanks. It can tolerate low lighting and doesn’t need fertilization.
- Cryptocoryne wendtii (Cryptocoryne wendtii): It would be the best plant for all tank sizes. It prefers low lighting and doesn’t need unique fertilization.
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Substrate
The best substrate for a Red Eye Puffer tank is sand. Sand provides a natural look and feels for the aquarium. It also doesn’t compact like other substrates, making cleaning easier. Be sure to get sand that’s appropriate for the size of your aquarium.
Following are some of the best sands for a Red Eye Puffer tank:
- CaribSea Aquatics Eco-Complete Planted Black Aquarium substrate: This sand is great for small to medium-sized tanks. It has a black color that enhances the plants and fish.
- Fluval Stratum Natural Aquarium Plant Soil: It would be ideal for larger tanks. It’s made of natural ingredients that help to promote plant growth.
- Aqua Culture Aquarium Sand: It would be the best option for all tank sizes. Its white color enhances the colors of the fish and plants.
Ornaments
Red Eye Puffers don’t need much in the way of ornamental items. A few driftwood or live plants are needed to provide a natural-looking environment. Avoid anything that could harm the fish, such as sharp objects or rough edges.
Following are some of the best ornamental items for a Red Eye Puffer tank:
- Driftwood: Driftwood is a great way to add natural-looking decor to your aquarium. Be sure to choose pieces that are safe for aquatic use.
- Rocks: Rocks can also be used to create a natural-looking environment. Be sure to choose rocks that are safe for aquatic use.
- Aquatic Plants: Aquatic plants are a great way to add greenery to your aquarium. Be sure to choose plants that are safe for aquatic use.
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Water Changes
Red Eye Puffers are sensitive to water conditions, so it’s essential to do regular water changes. Changing 10-15% of the water weekly is a good rule of thumb. Be sure to use a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate and remove debris from the tank.
Following are some tips for doing a water change:
- Gather all of the supplies you’ll need before you start. This includes a gravel vacuum, hose, bucket, and water conditioner.
- Turn off the filter and pump.
- Use the gravel vacuum to remove 10-15% of the water from the tank.
- Discard the water in a sink or outside.
- Fill the bucket with fresh water and add a water conditioner.
- Slowly pour the fresh water into the tank.
- Turn on the filter and pump.
- Monitor the water parameters and make adjustments as needed.
Cleaning the tank
You should perform a partial water change of 25% every other week. You will also need to vacuum the gravel and clean the filter media. Rinse the filter media in old tank water to prevent disrupting the beneficial bacteria colony.
To clean the tank, you will need the following:
- A sponge: A sponge can be used to wipe down the inside of the tank.
- A toothbrush: To clean the filter, we can use a toothbrush.
- Freshwater: You will need fresh water to rinse off the sponge and toothbrush.
The steps for cleaning the tank are as follows:
- Remove the fish from the tank and put them in a temporary home.
- Remove all of the decorations from the tank.
- Use the sponge to wipe down the inside of the tank.
- Rinse the sponge and toothbrush with fresh water.
- Use the toothbrush to clean the filter.
- Rinse the sponge and toothbrush with fresh water.
- Add the decorations back to the tank.
- Add the fish back to the tank.
It is essential to clean the tank regularly to prevent the build-up of algae and bacteria. Algae and bacteria can be harmful to fish, and they can also cause the water to become cloudy.
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Cleaning The Filter
It is essential to clean your filter regularly. A dirty filter can cause problems for your fish.
To clean your filter, you will need the following:
- A clean bucket: A clean bucket can be used to hold the old water.
- A garden hose: To rinse the filter media, we can use a garden hose.
- Filter media: This is used to replace the old media.
To start, you will need to remove the filter from your tank. Then, use the clean bucket to hold the old water.
Next, use the garden hose to rinse the filter media.
Red Eye Puffer Common Possible Diseases
Like all fish, Red Eye Puffers are susceptible to several diseases.
Some of the most common diseases include:
- Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections are one of the most common diseases in fish. Several things, including poor water quality, stress, and injury, can cause bacterial infections.
Symptoms of a bacterial infection include lethargy, loss of appetite, cloudy eyes, and red or swollen fins. If you suspect your fish has a bacterial infection, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
- Parasites: Parasites are another common disease in fish. Parasites can be contracted in several ways, including through contaminated food or water. A parasite infection symptoms include lethargy, appetite loss, and scratching.
If you suspect your fish has a parasite infection, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal infections are relatively common in fish. Several things, including poor water quality, stress, and injury, can cause fungal infections. Symptoms of a fungal infection include lethargy, loss of appetite, white patches on the skin, and red or swollen fins.
If you suspect your fish has a fungal infection, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
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Preventing Diseases
The best way to prevent diseases is to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your fish. This includes regularly cleaning the tank and changing the water. It’s also important to feed your fish a high-quality diet and provide plenty of hiding places.
If you suspect your fish is sick, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
Red Eye Puffer Treatment and medication
The treatment of these diseases includes both medication and preventive care.
Medication
The most common medication used to treat fish diseases is antibiotics. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, but they are not effective against parasites or fungal infections. If your fish has a bacterial infection, it must be taken to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Preventive care
The best way to prevent diseases is to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your fish. This includes regularly cleaning the tank and changing the water. It’s also important to feed your fish a high-quality diet and provide plenty of hiding places.
If you suspect your fish is sick, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
Following are some of the best medicines and treatments that are used for the diseases of fish:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most common medication used to treat fish diseases. They are effective against bacterial infections, but they are not effective against parasites or fungal infections. If your fish has a bacterial infection, it must be taken to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
- Prevention: The best way to prevent diseases is to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your fish. This includes regularly cleaning the tank and changing the water. It’s also important to feed your fish a high-quality diet and provide plenty of hiding places.
If you suspect your fish is sick, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
- Quarantine: If you have a new fish, it’s essential to quarantine them before adding them to your tank. This will help to prevent the spread of disease. To quarantine a fish, you must set up a separate tank and monitor them closely for signs of illness.
If you suspect your fish is sick, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
- Stress reduction: Stress is a common trigger for disease in fish. To reduce stress, providing your fish with a comfortable environment is essential. This includes a clean tank, plenty of hiding places, and a high-quality diet.
If you suspect your fish is stressed, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
- Water quality: Water quality is an essential factor in the health of your fish. To maintain a healthy environment, cleaning the tank and regularly changing the water is necessary.
Using a filter and testing the water regularly is also essential. If you suspect your fish is sick, you must take them to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment.
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Advantages Of Having Red Eye Puffer In Your Tank
Following are the advantages of having these fishes in your tank:
- They help to keep the tank clean by eating algae.
- They are entertaining to watch as they are active fish.
- They are a good choice for beginner fish keepers.
Disadvantages Of Having Red Eye Puffer In Your Tank
The main disadvantages of having these fishes in your tank are as follows:
- Their aggressive behavior can cause problems with other fish in the tank.
- They are known to be fin nippers.
- They are good jumpers so that they may escape from the tank without a tight-fitting lid.
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Conclusion
Red Eye puffers are a type of freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their vibrant red eyes and their puffy appearance. These fish are not recommended for beginners, as they can be aggressive and territorial.
If you’re considering adding a Red Eye Puffer to your aquarium, you should know a few things first.
This was all you need to know about Red Eye Puffers! Thanks for reading.
