Figure Eight Puffer care guide
Figure Eight Puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus) — minimum tank 80 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 7-8.
Overview
The Figure Eight Puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus) is a small pufferfish from estuaries and coastal rivers of Southeast Asia, recognised by figure-eight shaped yellow markings on a dark green dorsal surface. Unlike strictly marine puffers, the species tolerates fresh water but is healthiest in lightly brackish conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Dichotomyctere
- Scientific name: Dichotomyctere ocellatus
- Common synonyms: Eyespot Puffer
Habitat
Native to estuaries, tidal rivers and coastal brackish habitats of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Wild salinity fluctuates with tides and rainfall.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L (21.1 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-8 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7-8
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 5-15 years
Diet
A carnivore that requires hard-shelled foods to wear down its continuously growing beak. Offer snails, small shrimp and crustaceans (live or frozen), and occasional bloodworms or earthworms. Maintain salinity of around 1.005-1.010 specific gravity for best long-term health.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive species best kept alone or with conspecifics in a generous aquarium with visual barriers. Not suitable for typical community tanks; avoid pairing with shrimp, snails (it will eat them) and long-finned slow species.
Breeding
Captive breeding is rare and not well documented for the species.