Figure Eight Puffer (Tetraodon biocellatus)

Scientific Name(s): Tetraodon biocellatus

 

Common Name(s): Figure Eight Puffer, Figure 8 Puffer

 

Family: Tetraodotidae

 

Species Type: Asian Puffers

 

Maximum Size: 3 inches

 

Life Span: 6 years

 

Natural Habitat: Asian Rivers

 

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

 

Tank Region: Middle or top of tank

 

Possible Tank Mates: Other freshwater pufffers

 

Description: The figure-eight puffer is found primarily in fresh water areas throughout its native range. In spite of this, the figure-eight puffer actually does best in mildly brackish water when kept in captivity. Figure-eight puffers are normally brownish on the dorsal side, and have irregular dark blotches that are edged in yellowish green. Two of these blotches that occur close together just before the dorsal fin make the shape of a figure-eight. The fins are rounded, and the belly is white. The rough shape of the figure-eight, which can be seen on most of these fish, is their namesake. Like other puffers, these fish are territorial, and should be kept with only hardy community fish that are larger than them if not kept in a tank of only puffers. They are nippy, and will often damage the fins of their tankmates. Figure -eight puffers love to dine on small snails and are very entertaining to watch as they crush them. They will also except flake and pellet food along with live ghost shrimp as an occasional treat.

 

Temperature Range 72°F - 80°F

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pH Range 6.8 - 7.6

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 4° - 15°

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Breeding Information: Little is known about breeding Figure Eight Puffers.

 

Sexing Information: No known way to sex via appearance

 

Diet: Carnivorous - prefers live foods with shells such as snails,

 

Temperment: Generally peacuful but may nip fins

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species

 

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Figure Eight Puffer Fish (Tetraodon biocellatus)