FIGURE 8 PUFFER

Scientific Name : Tetraodon biocellatus

Common Names : Figure eight puffer, Eyespot pufferfish, F8 puffer

Care Level : Moderate

Size : 3" (8 cm)

pH : 7.6 - 8.3

Specific Gravity : does best in brackish of 1.005-1.008 SG

Temperature :78-82 F (25-28 C)

Lifespan : about 15 years

Origin / Habitat : Asia and India in brackish streams and estuaries.

Temperament / Behavior : semi-aggressive fin-nippers

Breeding : practically non-existent in captivity

Aquarium Size : 15 Gallons recommended, 10 gallons more for each additional figure 8 puffer

Puffer Tank Mates : Best kept alone, can often be kept with other figure eights. Other possible tank mates include brackish gobies such as the bumblebee or mollies, but success is not very likely.

Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease - Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment - Be sure to quarantine, as they are wild caught and often come in with parasites.

Diet / Fish Food : When young: snails, brine shrimp, bloodworms, blackworms, mealworms, plankton, Krill, crickets, cockles, prawns, whitebait, daphnia, ghost shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, scallops, shrimp, crab legs, oysters, lobster, and crayfish.

Tank Region : Middle. Active swimmers.

Gender : Even for experts, it is nearly impossible to sex them. Usually the only way is by dissection, or if they happen to lay eggs (an unlikely occurrence).