Figure-8 Puffer

Dichotomyctere ocellatus

Formerly: Tetraodon biocellatus

A patterned brackish puffer with loads of charm and a need for slightly salty water.

Water

Brackish

Temperature

74–82°F

pH

7–8

Hardness

9–20 dGH

Max size

3 in

Min tank

20 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Mid-bottom

Diet

Carnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

10-15 years

Breeding

Egg-layer

Suitability

Intermediate

Origin

Southeast Asia (brackish estuaries)

Best kept in low-end brackish water, which long-term improves its health over pure freshwater. Intelligent and interactive but nippy, so it is usually kept alone or in a careful brackish setup. Feed snails and hard-shelled foods to manage its beak.