Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Figure 8 Puffer
Dichotomyctere ocellatus
Also called Figure eight puffer, Eyespot puffer, Eyespot pufferfish, Tetraodon biocellatus (older name)
From Southeast Asia: the lower Mekong in Cambodia, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo (Sarawak and Kalimantan), living in rivers and coastal waters123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaleless pufferfish body that can inflate
A compact, rounded little puffer with a beak-like mouth and large, mobile eyes. Its back carries a pattern of yellow-green lines forming loops and eyespots, the 'figure eight' that gives it its name, over a pale belly. Like other puffers it can blow itself up with water or air when alarmed.21
Personality what they are like
Curious and alert, this puffer explores everything and quickly learns to recognise its keeper at feeding time. It is calmer than many puffers, yet can still nip slow or long-finned fish, so companions need choosing with care.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active explorer that enjoys a well-decorated tank with plants, wood and caves to patrol and investigate.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Seriously Fish suggests about 22 to 26 C, pH 6.5 to 7.5 and 5 to 12 dGH, noting it does well with a little marine salt (around 1.005 SG); Wikipedia's care notes favour slightly harder, alkaline water (pH about 7.8 to 8.3) at SG 1.005 to 1.008 and 24 to 28 C. Strong filtration and frequent water changes keep the water clean, and hard-shelled foods such as snails keep its beak naturally worn.213
Home where they are happiest
Seriously Fish recommends a tank with a base of at least 75 x 30 cm (around 68 litres); Wikipedia gives about 15 US gallons as a minimum. Use a fully cycled tank with plenty of hiding places and complex decor.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A snail and shellfish specialist. Offer snails, mussels, cockles and other unshelled seafood, plus worms and frozen foods. Crunchy foods help keep its ever-growing beak in shape.213
Company who they like around
Often kept on its own, since it can be touchy with its own kind. In larger setups it can share space with quick, robust fish such as barbs, rasboras or, in brackish water, bumblebee gobies and monos.213
The story where it all began
The species was first described by Franz Steindachner in 1870, and the name Tetraodon biocellatus, under which it became known in the aquarium hobby, was given later by Tirant in 1885. Modern taxonomy places it in the genus Dichotomyctere, and it is now a well-known small puffer in the aquarium trade.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Like other puffers it can inflate its body with water or air when it feels threatened.1
- 2
Its gills contain a type of specialised cell otherwise known among freshwater fish only from the Mozambique tilapia.1
- 3
Its teeth form a beak that keeps growing, so it relies on crunchy prey such as snails to wear it down.2
- 4
Puffers like this one can blink, which is unusual among fish.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FishBase
- Valid name Dichotomyctere ocellatus (Steindachner, 1870); Tetraodon biocellatus Tirant, 1885 is treated as a junior synonym (Kottelat 2013)3
- IUCN Red List
- Data Deficient (assessed 2019)3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Figure 8 Puffer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkBrackish fish need a little marine salt, and some need more as they growevery week
- Water changeAbout 25% of the water, mixed to the same salinityevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Figure 8 Puffer?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding to keep your curious puffer happy and healthy. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Figure 8 Puffer eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats snails, mussels, cockles, unshelled seafood, worms, and frozen foods. Crunchy foods are important to wear its ever-growing beak. There is no specific 'never eat' list in the provided information; ask a vet or good breeder for guidance.213
How much space does a Figure 8 Puffer need?
A minimum of 68 litres (about 15 US gallons) is recommended, with a base of at least 75x30 cm. A fully cycled tank with plenty of hiding places and complex decor suits this active explorer.21
What temperature, light or water does a Figure 8 Puffer need?
It needs warm water around 22 to 28C, pH 6.5 to 8.3, and a little marine salt (SG 1.005 to 1.008). Strong filtration and frequent water changes keep the water clean and stable.213
How often should I clean a Figure 8 Puffer's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Strong filtration and frequent water changes are key to keeping the water clean.3 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Figure 8 Puffer live with others?
It is often kept alone, but in a larger tank it can share space with quick, robust fish like barbs, rasboras, or bumblebee gobies. Choose companions carefully, as it may nip slow or long-finned fish.213
How long does a Figure 8 Puffer live?
With proper care, a Figure 8 Puffer can live up to 15 years. Providing a well-maintained tank and a suitable diet helps it reach its full lifespan.1
Can I handle a Figure 8 Puffer?
It is best not to handle this puffer because it can inflate when alarmed, causing stress. Enjoy watching its curious and alert personality from outside the tank.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Wikipedia: Dichotomyctere ocellatus en.wikipedia.orgused for distribution, size, lifespan, salinity, care, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Tetraodon biocellatus seriouslyfish.comused for water parameters, tank size, diet, compatibility, fun facts
- FishBase: Dichotomyctere ocellatus, Eyespot pufferfish fishbase.seused for valid name, synonymy, size, water parameters, distribution, IUCN status
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.