Figure Eight Pufferfish
Dichotomyctere ocellatus
Figure Eight Pufferfish is a all-zone swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Figure Eight Pufferfish?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- All-zone swimmer
- Temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 5–12 dGH
- KH
- 4–8 dKH
- Diet
- Molluscivore
- Lifespan
- up to 8 years
- Group behavior
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Lifespan: up to 8 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–12 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Figure Eight Pufferfish needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
- Snail safe
- No
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Feeding
Use the diet value "Molluscivore" to choose foods that match the species rather than relying on a single generic staple.
Low-end brackish conditions around SG 1.005 are recommended for long-term care. Offer hard-shelled foods for tooth wear.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia.
Important notes
- Specialist sources disagree on long-term freshwater versus low-brackish maintenance and on group size; do not assume community safety. Long fins and edible snails are at risk.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Figure Eight Pufferfish get?
Figure Eight Pufferfish reaches ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm).
What aquarium size does Figure Eight Pufferfish need?
Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (68 L) or larger / ≥ 29.5" (≥ 75 cm) minimum length.
Is Figure Eight Pufferfish peaceful?
Figure Eight Pufferfish needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Figure Eight Pufferfish?
Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.
Should Figure Eight Pufferfish be kept alone or in a group?
Figure Eight Pufferfish: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
