Ocellated Puffer (Leiodon cutcutia) Care Guide
Leiodon cutcutia is a medium freshwater puffer from South Asia, aggressive towards tankmates and usually kept singly in a species tank.
Overview
Leiodon cutcutia, formerly Tetraodon cutcutia, is a medium-sized freshwater pufferfish from South Asia that grows to about 15 cm total length. It is aggressive towards tankmates and is often kept singly or in species-only aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Leiodon
- Scientific name: Leiodon cutcutia
- Originally described as Tetraodon cutcutia (Hamilton, 1822); genus Leiodon revalidated by Kottelat in 2013
Habitat
It is native to southern Asia, ranging from India to the Malay Archipelago, inhabiting fresh and brackish water bodies throughout its range.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (about 26 gal)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Setup: densely planted with plenty of hiding places
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It is carnivorous and feeds readily on snails, small crustaceans and other invertebrates. Hard-shelled prey helps keep its beak worn down.
Compatibility
An aggressive, middle-water puffer that is sensitive to water quality degradation. It is best kept alone in a species tank and is not suitable with other tankmates.