Malabar Pufferfish and Similar Species
Tetraodon travancoricus
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Malabar Pufferfish. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Green Spotted Puffer
Dichotomyctere nigroviridis (formerly Tetraodon nigroviridis)
Key differences: Significantly larger (up to 17 cm), typically found in brackish to marine environments, and has a more vibrant green coloration with distinct black spots. T. travancoricus is much smaller and exclusively freshwater.
Figure 8 Puffer
Dichotomyctere ocellatus (formerly Tetraodon ocellatus)
Key differences: Larger (up to 8 cm), found in brackish water, and has a distinctive 'figure 8' pattern on its back. T. travancoricus is smaller, freshwater, and has irregular spots.
Red-tailed Puffer
Carinotetraodon irrubesco
Key differences: Similar size but males have a distinct red tail and often a more elongated body shape. T. travancoricus lacks the red tail and has a more rounded body.
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