Origin

Native to coastal estuaries, brackish rivers, and tidal zones across southern China, Vietnam, and parts of Taiwan. Often found in mangrove deltas and muddy flats.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Golden-olive body with vivid orange spots and expressive, rotund eyes. It has a comical, curious demeanor and actively watches its environment. Despite its small size, it commands attention.

Purpose
Acts as a personality centerpiece and predator in brackish or marine displays. Also contributes to snail and crustacean population control in its tank.

Importance
One of the few pufferfish that naturally transitions between brackish and saltwater environments. Adds interactive behavior and intelligence to a tank, but needs careful planning and species-specific setups.

Included Resources
Requires salinity-specific filtration (marine skimmer or brackish-safe filter), hard-shelled food for dental wear, hiding zones, and enriched environment. High protein diet and strong flow recommended.

Best Use Cases
Species-only setups, advanced brackish tanks, or marine tanks with durable tankmates. Best kept solo or with fast, non-nippy fish in large volumes.

Conservation Context
Wild stocks may be affected by overharvesting for the aquarium and food trade. Encouraging captive care over wild removal is important to reduce regional impact.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Brackish-safe gobies (in large tanks)
• Mollies (acclimated to brackish)
• Archerfish or monos (with caution)
• Snails (as feeders only)
• Avoid slow or finny tank mates

Region (A)
• Latitude: 22.3170° N
• Longitude: 114.1750° E
(Pearl River Delta, Guangdong Province, China)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 16.0544° N
• Longitude: 108.2022° E
(Central Vietnamese estuaries, near Da Nang)