Freshwater
Puffer
More details
Figure Eight Puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus)
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Pro
Description
Known for its vibrant yellow-green body marked with black “figure 8” patterns, this small puffer is a popular choice for brackish aquariums. Its intelligence, quirky swimming, and interactive nature make it a favorite among dedicated hobbyists.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Figure Eight Puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs brackish water, frequent feeding, and enrichment; not for traditional freshwater
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; brackish origin makes captive breeding less common in trade
Origin
Found in coastal Southeast Asia—from Thailand to Indonesia—inhabiting brackish estuaries, mangrove swamps, and tidal creeks.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bright green body with black figure-eight or eyespot patterns along the back and tail. Compact, rounded shape with constant eye movement gives it a curious, alert personality that’s always exploring the tank.
Purpose
Best kept in single or small species tanks where they act as interactive “wet pets.” They often follow fingers along the glass and recognize keepers. Also serve educational purposes due to their intelligence and brackish needs.
Importance
Popular introduction to brackish aquariums. Helps hobbyists understand specialized water chemistry and encourages long-term enrichment-based care. Perfect for those transitioning from beginner to intermediate setups.
Included Resources
Requires brackish water (SG 1.005–1.008), hard décor with open space, and moderate filtration. Sand substrate is ideal. Frequent feedings and hard-shelled foods (snails, shrimp) help maintain beak health.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for mangrove or estuarine-themed setups. Works well in solo display tanks or with other carefully selected brackish species like mollies or knight gobies. Not suitable for community freshwater tanks.
Conservation Context
Wild-caught specimens are most common. Sustainable practices should include habitat-conscious sourcing and promotion of captive breeding efforts where possible.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Mollies (in brackish conditions)
• Knight gobies
• Banded archerfish (with space and caution)
• Crabs/snails as food—not tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.4210° N
• Longitude: 100.3426° E
(Penang, Malaysia – tidal streams and mangroves)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.7893° S
• Longitude: 113.9213° E
(Central Kalimantan, Indonesia – coastal river mouths)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Figure Eight Puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs brackish water, frequent feeding, and enrichment; not for traditional freshwater
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; brackish origin makes captive breeding less common in trade
Origin
Found in coastal Southeast Asia—from Thailand to Indonesia—inhabiting brackish estuaries, mangrove swamps, and tidal creeks.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bright green body with black figure-eight or eyespot patterns along the back and tail. Compact, rounded shape with constant eye movement gives it a curious, alert personality that’s always exploring the tank.
Purpose
Best kept in single or small species tanks where they act as interactive “wet pets.” They often follow fingers along the glass and recognize keepers. Also serve educational purposes due to their intelligence and brackish needs.
Importance
Popular introduction to brackish aquariums. Helps hobbyists understand specialized water chemistry and encourages long-term enrichment-based care. Perfect for those transitioning from beginner to intermediate setups.
Included Resources
Requires brackish water (SG 1.005–1.008), hard décor with open space, and moderate filtration. Sand substrate is ideal. Frequent feedings and hard-shelled foods (snails, shrimp) help maintain beak health.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for mangrove or estuarine-themed setups. Works well in solo display tanks or with other carefully selected brackish species like mollies or knight gobies. Not suitable for community freshwater tanks.
Conservation Context
Wild-caught specimens are most common. Sustainable practices should include habitat-conscious sourcing and promotion of captive breeding efforts where possible.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Mollies (in brackish conditions)
• Knight gobies
• Banded archerfish (with space and caution)
• Crabs/snails as food—not tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.4210° N
• Longitude: 100.3426° E
(Penang, Malaysia – tidal streams and mangroves)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.7893° S
• Longitude: 113.9213° E
(Central Kalimantan, Indonesia – coastal river mouths)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Figure Eight Puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Needs brackish water, frequent feeding, and enrichment; not for traditional freshwater
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; brackish origin makes captive breeding less common in trade
Origin
Found in coastal Southeast Asia—from Thailand to Indonesia—inhabiting brackish estuaries, mangrove swamps, and tidal creeks.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Bright green body with black figure-eight or eyespot patterns along the back and tail. Compact, rounded shape with constant eye movement gives it a curious, alert personality that’s always exploring the tank.
Purpose
Best kept in single or small species tanks where they act as interactive “wet pets.” They often follow fingers along the glass and recognize keepers. Also serve educational purposes due to their intelligence and brackish needs.
Importance
Popular introduction to brackish aquariums. Helps hobbyists understand specialized water chemistry and encourages long-term enrichment-based care. Perfect for those transitioning from beginner to intermediate setups.
Included Resources
Requires brackish water (SG 1.005–1.008), hard décor with open space, and moderate filtration. Sand substrate is ideal. Frequent feedings and hard-shelled foods (snails, shrimp) help maintain beak health.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for mangrove or estuarine-themed setups. Works well in solo display tanks or with other carefully selected brackish species like mollies or knight gobies. Not suitable for community freshwater tanks.
Conservation Context
Wild-caught specimens are most common. Sustainable practices should include habitat-conscious sourcing and promotion of captive breeding efforts where possible.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Mollies (in brackish conditions)
• Knight gobies
• Banded archerfish (with space and caution)
• Crabs/snails as food—not tankmates
Region (A)
• Latitude: 5.4210° N
• Longitude: 100.3426° E
(Penang, Malaysia – tidal streams and mangroves)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 0.7893° S
• Longitude: 113.9213° E
(Central Kalimantan, Indonesia – coastal river mouths)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Figure Eight Puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus)
Region
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