Figure eight puffer
Introduction
The Figure Eight Puffer (Tetraodon biocellatus), also known as the Eyespot Puffer, is a captivating species cherished by aquarists for its distinctive markings and engaging behavior. This small, brackish-water fish is renowned for its intelligence and interactive nature, often recognizing and responding to its owners. While their care requires attention to specific water conditions and diet, the rewards of keeping a Figure Eight Puffer make them a popular choice among dedicated fishkeepers.
What makes the Figure Eight Puffer unique?
Its striking figure-eight pattern and personable behavior set it apart from many other aquarium species.
Is the Figure Eight Puffer suitable for beginners?
Due to its specific care requirements, it's better suited for aquarists with some experience.
Care and Environment
Providing optimal care for the Figure Eight Puffer involves meticulous attention to tank setup, water parameters, diet, and overall environment.
What is the minimum tank size for a Figure Eight Puffer?
A single Figure Eight Puffer requires a minimum tank size of 70 liters, with an additional 40 liters for each additional puffer.
What are the ideal water parameters?
Maintain a temperature between 24°C and 28°C, a pH of 7.0 to 8.0, and a specific gravity of 1.005 to 1.008 to replicate their natural brackish habitat.
Effective filtration is crucial, as puffers are sensitive to nitrites and nitrates. Over-filtration and regular partial water changes help maintain water quality.
Lighting should be moderate, with floating plants to diffuse light and provide shaded areas.
Decorate the tank with robust plants like Anubias and Vallisneria, which tolerate brackish conditions, along with driftwood and rocks to create hiding spots and reduce stress.
Feed a varied diet of live or frozen foods such as snails, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small crustaceans. Hard-shelled foods are essential to prevent overgrowth of their teeth.
Be aware of their semi-aggressive nature; they may nip at tank mates, especially during feeding or if space is limited.
Can Figure Eight Puffers be kept in freshwater?
While they can survive in freshwater, they thrive in brackish conditions, which better support their health and longevity.
Origin and Habitat
Native to Southeast Asia, the Figure Eight Puffer inhabits slow-moving rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters in countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
What type of environments do they prefer?
They favor environments with soft substrates, dense vegetation, and ample hiding spots, often found in both freshwater and brackish conditions.
Do they experience seasonal changes in their habitat?
Specific seasonal variations are not well-documented, but they are adaptable to changes in salinity and water flow in their natural habitats.
Temperament and Compatibility
Figure Eight Puffers are known for their curious and intelligent behavior but can exhibit semi-aggressive tendencies.
Are they suitable for community tanks?
They are best kept alone or with carefully chosen tank mates that can tolerate brackish conditions and are not easily intimidated.
What tank mates are compatible?
Potential companions include bumblebee gobies, mollies, and knight gobies, provided the tank is spacious and well-structured to minimize aggression.
To create a harmonious environment, ensure ample space, hiding spots, and monitor interactions closely to prevent fin-nipping or territorial disputes.
Interesting Facts
The Figure Eight Puffer's name derives from the distinctive figure-eight patterns on its back, making it easily recognizable.
How long can they live in captivity?
With proper care, they can live up to 15 years, a notable lifespan for aquarium fish.
Do they have any unique behaviors?
They are known for their ability to inflate their bodies when threatened, a defense mechanism common among pufferfish.
Breeding in captivity is rare, and sexing individuals is challenging due to the lack of distinct external differences between males and females.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources:
Overview
Recommended Tank Size 29.1 Gallon (for a pair) |
Minimum Group Size 1 |
Minimum Tank Volume 18.5 Gallon |
Maximum Adult Length 3.1 inch |
Average Adult Length 2.8 inch |
Shoaling (6+ required) No |
Preferred Water Type Brackish |
Temperature Range (°C) 24–28 |
pH Range 7.0–8.0 |
Water Hardness (dGH) 5–12 |
Typical Lifespan (years) 15 years |