Freshwater
Puffer
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Indian Freshwater Puffer (Leiodon cutcutia)
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Description
Also known as the Ocellated Puffer or Indian Freshwater Puffer, Leiodon cutcutia is a rare, fully freshwater puffer with distinct ocellated eye spots along its flanks. It's an intelligent, solitary predator—prized for its unusual behavior and bold personality.
Difficulty Level
Expert Only
Region
Indian Freshwater Puffer (Leiodon cutcutia)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires species-only care, enriched environment, and a protein-based diet with regular dental maintenance.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; captive breeding is limited but essential to reduce environmental pressure.
Origin
Native to the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Found in slow-moving rivers, flooded plains, and vegetated lakes with soft substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Olive-green to brown body with scattered dark spots and eye-catching ocelli (false eyes) near the tail region. Body is rounded, with a classic puffer profile and forward-facing eyes that give it a curious, expressive appearance.
Purpose
A solitary specimen that adds character, movement, and intelligence to a species tank. Displays foraging and stalking behavior, often interacting with its environment and keeper.
Importance
Rare in the trade and highly rewarding to keep. Its adaptable freshwater lifestyle makes it more accessible than brackish species. Excellent for dedicated puffer enthusiasts seeking a unique, interactive fish.
Included Resources
Soft sand substrate, strong filtration, subdued lighting, and a heavily structured scape with driftwood and hiding spots. A secure lid is essential—can jump when startled. Water parameters must be stable and oxygen levels high.
Best Use Cases
Best suited for a single-specimen tank. Works in South Asian biotopes or blackwater-style aquascapes. Should not be kept in community tanks—this is a true predator species.
Conservation Context
Faces pressure from habitat destruction and overharvesting in parts of its native range. Wild-caught specimens dominate the trade, so responsible sourcing is critical. Support for captive breeding programs is encouraged.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Best kept alone
• Occasional feeder snails or shrimp (for dental care)
• Fast, expendable dither fish during cycling (optional and temporary)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 24.4769° N
• Longitude: 88.3804° E
(Northern Bangladesh – Ganges River tributaries)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 26.8467° N
• Longitude: 80.9462° E
(Uttar Pradesh, India – Gomti River region)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Indian Freshwater Puffer (Leiodon cutcutia)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires species-only care, enriched environment, and a protein-based diet with regular dental maintenance.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; captive breeding is limited but essential to reduce environmental pressure.
Origin
Native to the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Found in slow-moving rivers, flooded plains, and vegetated lakes with soft substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Olive-green to brown body with scattered dark spots and eye-catching ocelli (false eyes) near the tail region. Body is rounded, with a classic puffer profile and forward-facing eyes that give it a curious, expressive appearance.
Purpose
A solitary specimen that adds character, movement, and intelligence to a species tank. Displays foraging and stalking behavior, often interacting with its environment and keeper.
Importance
Rare in the trade and highly rewarding to keep. Its adaptable freshwater lifestyle makes it more accessible than brackish species. Excellent for dedicated puffer enthusiasts seeking a unique, interactive fish.
Included Resources
Soft sand substrate, strong filtration, subdued lighting, and a heavily structured scape with driftwood and hiding spots. A secure lid is essential—can jump when startled. Water parameters must be stable and oxygen levels high.
Best Use Cases
Best suited for a single-specimen tank. Works in South Asian biotopes or blackwater-style aquascapes. Should not be kept in community tanks—this is a true predator species.
Conservation Context
Faces pressure from habitat destruction and overharvesting in parts of its native range. Wild-caught specimens dominate the trade, so responsible sourcing is critical. Support for captive breeding programs is encouraged.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Best kept alone
• Occasional feeder snails or shrimp (for dental care)
• Fast, expendable dither fish during cycling (optional and temporary)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 24.4769° N
• Longitude: 88.3804° E
(Northern Bangladesh – Ganges River tributaries)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 26.8467° N
• Longitude: 80.9462° E
(Uttar Pradesh, India – Gomti River region)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Indian Freshwater Puffer (Leiodon cutcutia)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Requires species-only care, enriched environment, and a protein-based diet with regular dental maintenance.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught; captive breeding is limited but essential to reduce environmental pressure.
Origin
Native to the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Found in slow-moving rivers, flooded plains, and vegetated lakes with soft substrates.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Olive-green to brown body with scattered dark spots and eye-catching ocelli (false eyes) near the tail region. Body is rounded, with a classic puffer profile and forward-facing eyes that give it a curious, expressive appearance.
Purpose
A solitary specimen that adds character, movement, and intelligence to a species tank. Displays foraging and stalking behavior, often interacting with its environment and keeper.
Importance
Rare in the trade and highly rewarding to keep. Its adaptable freshwater lifestyle makes it more accessible than brackish species. Excellent for dedicated puffer enthusiasts seeking a unique, interactive fish.
Included Resources
Soft sand substrate, strong filtration, subdued lighting, and a heavily structured scape with driftwood and hiding spots. A secure lid is essential—can jump when startled. Water parameters must be stable and oxygen levels high.
Best Use Cases
Best suited for a single-specimen tank. Works in South Asian biotopes or blackwater-style aquascapes. Should not be kept in community tanks—this is a true predator species.
Conservation Context
Faces pressure from habitat destruction and overharvesting in parts of its native range. Wild-caught specimens dominate the trade, so responsible sourcing is critical. Support for captive breeding programs is encouraged.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Best kept alone
• Occasional feeder snails or shrimp (for dental care)
• Fast, expendable dither fish during cycling (optional and temporary)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 24.4769° N
• Longitude: 88.3804° E
(Northern Bangladesh – Ganges River tributaries)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 26.8467° N
• Longitude: 80.9462° E
(Uttar Pradesh, India – Gomti River region)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Indian Freshwater Puffer (Leiodon cutcutia)
Region
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