LARGE Avocado Puffer (3.5-4”)

Scientific name: Auriglobus modestus

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Size: Can reach about 5-6" in length.

• Lifespan: Typically 8–10 years in captivity with proper care.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care

• Tank size: At least 40 gallons for a single specimen, though larger is preferred due to activity and aggression. A 55–75 gallon tank is more suitable long term.

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

  • pH: 6.5–7.5

• Water changes: Needs excellent water quality; perform 40–50% weekly water changes. Puffers are very sensitive to ammonia and nitrite.

• Care notes: Highly active swimmers. Requires strong filtration, a tight lid (jumping risk), and ample swimming space with hiding areas such as driftwood, rockwork, and plants.

Tankmates

• Avocado Puffers are extremely aggressive and territorial.

• Best kept in a species-only tank.

• Even in very large aquariums, they tend to attack other fish, including other puffers, often biting chunks from tankmates.

• At owners risk you can try robust fast moving fish with the puffer

• Should generally be housed alone.

Diet

• Carnivorous, requiring meaty foods to maintain health and prevent overgrowth of beak-like teeth.

• Recommended diet:

  • Snails, shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans

  • Mussels, clams, and cockles (with shell, to help grind teeth)

  • Earthworms, krill, and other frozen or live meaty foods

• Avoid dry flakes or pellets; puffers rarely accept them and they don’t provide dental wear.

Overview

The Golden Puffer (Auriglobus modestus) is a striking freshwater puffer with metallic-golden to bronze coloration and a bold personality. Unlike smaller puffers, it grows to a medium size and has a far more aggressive temperament. Its intelligence, powerful jaws, and unique behavior make it a fascinating but challenging species suitable only for experienced aquarists. Due to its aggression, it is almost always kept alone, and its tank must be carefully maintained with strong filtration and a diet that manages tooth growth.

Natural Environment

Auriglobus modestus is native to rivers and tributaries across Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It inhabits fast-flowing rivers and streams as well as flooded forest areas, feeding primarily on invertebrates and small fish.

Breeding

• Breeding Auriglobus modestus in captivity has not been documented and is considered virtually impossible in the home aquarium.

• In the wild, little is known about their reproductive behavior.

• Their aggression and space requirements make pairings highly impractical.