The Figure 8 Pufferfish is a beautiful and unique freshwater fish that is perfect for the intermediate to experienced fishkeeper.
These fish are not for beginners, as they can be quite nippy and need a bit more care than the average tropical fish.
But if you’re up for the challenge, a Figure 8 Pufferfish can make a great addition to your aquarium.
In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about Figure 8 Pufferfish care. From tank size and diet, to compatible tank mates and common problems.
Table of contents
- Species overview
- Appearance
- Lifespan
- Size
- Tank
- Size
- Water parameters
- What To Put In Their Tank
- Common diseases
- Tank Mates
- Breeding
- Conclusion
Species overview
Figure 8 pufferfish (scientific name: Tetraodon biocellatus) are found throughout a wide range of Southeast Asia. This includes countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
They prefer slow-moving waters with a lot of vegetation. This could be anything from marshes to swamps, and they’re often found in rice paddies.
Figure 8 pufferfish are a very popular choice for aquariums because of their unique appearance and personality. They are known to be very curious and active fish, and they can often be seen swimming around the tank exploring their new home.
One thing to keep in mind with these fish is that they have the ability to puff up their bodies to almost twice their size when they feel threatened. This is why it’s important to make sure they have plenty of hiding places in their tank and that they are not being bullied by any of their tank mates.
Appearance
The first thing you’ll notice about this unique freshwater fish is their distinct shape. The body of the Figure 8 Pufferfish is very long and thin.
About two-thirds of the way back, their body does a complete loop, giving them the namesake “figure 8” shape.
This fish is completely covered in scales that have a very rough texture. The coloration of these fish can be a bit variable.
The most common colors you’ll see are brown, tan, and green. You might also see some that have a mottled appearance with spots of different colors.
The fins on this fish are very small in comparison to the rest of their body. The dorsal fin is the longest and starts just behind the head.
The anal and caudal fins are very short and stubby. The pectoral fins are very small as well and sit just behind the gill plates.
One unique feature of the Figure 8 Pufferfish is their eyes. These eyes sit on top of small stalks that can be moved independently from each other.
This gives them some very unique expressions and almost makes them look like they’re winking at you!
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Figure 8 pufferfish is 5 to 8 years. Once again, there are a number of factors that can influence this number.
For example, if the Figure 8 pufferfish is kept in a tank that’s too small then its lifespan will be shortened. These fish also need to have a lot of hiding places and plenty of space to swim around.
A diet of live food will also help them live longer since it’s more nutritious than processed pellets or flakes.
Size
The average Figure 8 pufferfish size is about 2.5 inches, but they can grow to be up to 4 inches long. These fish are one of the smaller species of pufferfish, which is why they are a popular choice for aquariums.
Tank
Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a figure 8 pufferfish is 30 gallons. If you want to keep more than one pufferfish, you will need to increase the size of your tank by at least 10 gallons for each additional fish.
Keep in mind that these fish can grow to be up to 6 inches long, so you will need to provide them with plenty of space to swim and explore.
Water Parameters
As with any fish, the figure 8 pufferfish needs the right water parameters to stay healthy. These parameters are based on the fish’s natural habitat in brackish and fresh water rivers and estuaries in Southeast Asia.
In the wild, the figure 8 pufferfish is an opportunistic feeder. That means they’ll eat just about anything they can find. That includes other fish, crustaceans, and small invertebrates.
They’re not too picky when it comes to water conditions either. As long as the water is clean and the temperature is consistent, they’ll do just fine.
Here are a few parameters to keep in mind when setting up a figure 8 pufferfish tank.
- Water Temperature: 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
- pH Levels: 7.0 to 8.5
- Water Hardness: 5 to 25 dGH
- Alkalinity Levels: 3-10 dKH
What To Put In Their Tank
First off, these fish are notorious for being messy eaters. They will often leave behind uneaten food, which can quickly foul up the inside of your tank.
For this reason, we recommend using a gravel substrate instead of sand. The gravel will help to catch and collect any uneaten bits of food before they have a chance to decompose.
Another important aspect of their tank is the inclusion of plenty of hiding places. These fish are shy and reclusive by nature and will often seek out places to hide when they feel threatened.
Caves, driftwood, and plants are all great choices for providing them with some security. Just make sure that any openings are large enough for them to fit through easily.
Finally, these fish are known to be fin nippers. If you’re keeping them with other fish then you’ll need to provide plenty of space for everyone to coexist peacefully. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 10 gallons of tank space per fish.
Common Diseases
Figure 8 pufferfish are actually pretty hardy fish and don’t get sick often. However, when they do get sick it’s usually because of something that could have been prevented.
The most common disease that affects these fish is freshwater Ich. This is a parasite that can quickly kill your fish if it’s not treated properly.
The most obvious symptom of Ich is the presence of small white spots on the body of your fish. If you notice this, it’s important to act quickly and begin treatment immediately.
Another disease that affects these fish is “Dropsy”. This is a disease that causes the fish to bloat up and fill with fluid. It’s usually caused by poor water quality and is often fatal.
The best way to prevent these diseases is to maintain a clean and stable tank. These fish are rather sensitive to changes in water quality, so it’s important to keep a close eye on things.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian. They will be able to help you diagnose and treat the problem.
Behavior & Temperament
The figure 8 pufferfish is a unique creature both in terms of appearance and behavior. These fish are interesting to watch and can be relatively easy to care for, as long as you’re prepared to deal with their specific needs.
One of the most notable things about the figure 8 pufferfish is their diet. These fish are carnivores and need a protein-rich diet to stay healthy. That means they’ll need live food, such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and other small insects.
In terms of behavior, figure 8 pufferfish are relatively active. They’re constantly swimming around the tank and exploring their environment. They’re also known to be one of the more aggressive pufferfish species. They may nip at the fins of other fish and can be territorial.
Tank Mates
The figure 8 pufferfish is a unique creature. It’s not like other freshwater fish because it has the ability to change its salinity.
In the wild, these fish are found in brackish water. This is water that’s between freshwater and saltwater.
As a result, the figure 8 pufferfish is pretty adaptable. It can live in both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
The figure 8 pufferfish is also a brackish water fish. This means that it does best in water that’s between freshwater and saltwater.
The figure 8 pufferfish is a unique creature. It’s not like other freshwater fish because it has the ability to change its salinity.
In the wild, these fish are found in brackish water. This is water that’s between freshwater and saltwater.
As a result, the figure 8 pufferfish is pretty adaptable. It can live in both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
The figure 8 pufferfish is also a brackish water fish. This means that it does best in water that’s between freshwater and saltwater.
The figure 8 pufferfish is a unique creature. It’s not like other freshwater fish because it has the ability to change its salinity.
In the wild, these fish are found in brackish water. This is water that’s between freshwater and saltwater.
As a result, the figure 8 pufferfish is pretty adaptable. It can live in both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
The figure 8 pufferfish is also a brackish water fish. This means that it does best in water that’s between freshwater and saltwater.
The figure 8 pufferfish is a unique creature. It’s not like other freshwater fish because it has the ability to change its salinity.
In the wild, these fish are found in brackish water. This is water that’s between freshwater and saltwater.
As a result, the figure 8 pufferfish is pretty adaptable. It can live in both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
The figure 8 pufferfish is also a brackish water fish. This means that it does best in water that’s between freshwater and saltwater.
Breeding
Figure 8 pufferfish are one of the easier fish to breed in captivity. They’re not picky about their habitat and will readily breed in most tanks.
The first thing you need to do is set up a breeding tank. It should hold at least 20 gallons of water. Then, add some plants and other decorations. It’s important to give the fish plenty of places to hide.
Next, you need to adjust the water conditions. The pH should be between 7.5 and 8.5. The temperature should be between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
When everything is ready, add two females for every male. The males will start to chase the females around until they’re ready to spawn.
When spawning begins, the female will lay her eggs on a plant or decoration. The male will then fertilize them.
After spawning is complete, it’s important to remove the adults. They will likely eat the eggs.
The eggs will hatch in about two days. Once they hatch, you can start feeding the fry live foods such as baby brine shrimp.
Conclusion
The Figure 8 Pufferfish is a great fish for those who want something a little different in their tank. They’re unique-looking, full of personality, and relatively easy to care for.
Of course, there are some things you’ll need to be aware of before you get one. They can be aggressive, so you’ll need to make sure they’re in a tank with fish that can hold their own. They also need a diet of live food, which some people may not be comfortable with.
But if you’re up for the challenge, we think you’ll find that the Figure 8 Pufferfish is a great addition to your tank!
