Figure Eight Puffer

The Figure Eight Puffer is a small, charismatic brackish-water pufferfish named for the distinctive figure-eight or eye-shaped markings on its back. The body is a rich greenish-yellow to brown on top, fading to a bright white belly, with dark markings bordered by luminescent yellow-green lines that create the species' namesake patterns. Its large, expressive eyes and curious demeanor make it one of the most personable fish in the aquarium hobby.

Unlike most species in a marine aquarium encyclopedia, the Figure Eight Puffer is primarily a brackish-water species that inhabits coastal estuaries, mangrove swamps, and river mouths throughout Southeast Asia. While it can tolerate low-end marine salinity, it thrives best in brackish conditions with a specific gravity between 1.005 and 1.015. Some aquarists do maintain them in full marine conditions, but brackish water is generally recommended for long-term health.

The Figure Eight Puffer is intelligent, curious, and quickly recognizes its owner, often swimming to the front of the tank when someone approaches. Despite its charm, it can be nippy toward slow-moving or long-finned tankmates and will consume invertebrates with its powerful beak-like teeth. Hard-shelled foods must be offered regularly to wear down its continuously growing teeth. This species does best in a species-specific setup or with fast, robust brackish-water companions.