Eyespot pufferfish

The figure-8 puffer (Tetraodon biocellatus) is a small, charismatic pufferfish found in rivers and coastal waters of Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its common name refers to the distinctive figure-eight or saddle-like markings on its back, while the eyespot patterns on its body help deter predators. Reaching only about 8 cm, this is one of the smaller freshwater puffer species, but it packs considerable personality into a compact body. The aquarium should be at least 70L with a sandy substrate, dense planting, and twisted roots or branches to provide cover while leaving open swimming areas. Figure-8 puffers are often maintained in freshwater but tend to live longer with the addition of marine salt to a specific gravity of around 1.005, reflecting their natural brackish habitat. They are intelligent fish that recognize their owners and will actively beg for food. Their diet must include hard-shelled foods like snails, crab legs, and unshelled prawns to wear down their continuously growing beak-like teeth. Without such foods the teeth can overgrow and become life-threatening. Fin-nipping tendencies make them unreliable community fish; fast-moving tankmates like danios or rasboras are the safest companions.