Aquarium species profile

Figure Eight Puffer

Dichotomyctere ocellatus · Southeast Asia (coastal rivers — Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand)

Minimum tank15 gal

Adult size3"

Care levelModerate

TemperamentSemi-Aggressive

Temperature72–82°F

pH range7.5–8.5

Diet

Carnivore – snails (essential to wear down beak), frozen shrimp, bloodworms, clams

Compatible tank mates

Fast-moving brackish fish (Archer Fish, Mono Argentus), some mollies

Tank mates to avoid

Slow-moving fish (will bite fins), invertebrates (will eat), other puffers

Care notes

Stunning green-and-yellow figure-eight pattern on back. Brackish water species — add marine salt to reach 1.005–1.010 SG. Must provide live snails regularly to prevent beak overgrowth. Highly intelligent; recognizes owners. Fin-nipper — best kept alone or with fast tankmates. Endlessly entertaining personality.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

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