Origin
Native to the Congo River basin in Central Africa, particularly in deep, slow-moving or floodplain-connected waters.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Its intricate reticulated patterns, expressive face, and sheer mass make it a living centerpiece. Often referred to as the "freshwater puffer whale" due to its size and character.

Purpose
A showstopper species for solo display. Known for intelligence, interactivity, and personality. Helps control certain hard-shelled invertebrates, though best kept alone due to aggression.

Importance
Keeping an Mbu puffer is a serious commitment—it provides a deep connection between aquarist and animal. Not suitable for casual hobbyists but cherished by those who can meet its needs.

Included Resources
Minimum tank: 500 gallons. Requires heavy-duty filtration, weekly water changes, and a varied, crunchy diet. Powerful canister or sump filtration is non-negotiable. Tank should include swimming space, shaded areas, and minimal décor obstruction.

Best Use Cases
Predator-focused solo aquariums, public display tanks, or advanced private setups. Not suited for community tanks.

Conservation Context
Still exported from the wild in some regions. While not endangered, its size and needs mean improper care can lead to poor outcomes. Captive-bred specimens are rare but growing in availability.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Generally kept alone
• In extremely large systems, tank mates must be fast, large, and non-aggressive
• Avoid any small or slow species—they will be seen as food or targets

Region (A)
• Latitude: -1.2921° S
• Longitude: 15.2840° E
(Middle Congo Basin – Republic of the Congo)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -4.3250° S
• Longitude: 15.3222° E
(Kinshasa area – Lower Congo River, DRC)