Figure Eight Puffer

A dark olive back with looping golden lines that often form a figure-eight shape, above a white belly.

The looping lines set it apart from the spotted green puffers. It grows to 8 cm according to Seriously Fish, or rarely over 6 cm according to Aquarium Glaser.

Almost impossible to sex by eye. Adult females may grow larger than males.

Use roots, a sandy bottom and open swimming areas. Soft-leaved plants may be chewed. Water quality matters more than almost anything, so change water regularly.

Active and inquisitive, and more tolerant than most puffers, though individuals vary.

Often kept singly. Several may work in a large tank with a lot of cover.

Less territorial than larger puffers, but it can bully slower fish.

Take care with tankmates. It may nip the fins of slow or long-finned fish. In freshwater, fast fish such as barbs and rasboras are sometimes used, and in brackish water, salt-tolerant fish such as bumblebee gobies. It will eat shrimp and snails.

Sources disagree. Seriously Fish gives these soft to medium figures and suggests marine salt to about SG 1.005. Aquarium Glaser says that freshwater fish need hard water at pH 8 or more. Pick one approach, and keep it stable.

A carnivore. Feed snails and unshelled shellfish to keep the beak worn down, with frozen foods between.

Check the beak regularly. If it overgrows, the fish can no longer eat and the teeth may need to be trimmed by someone experienced.

Not thought to have been bred in the hobby. It is reported to spawn on surfaces, with some care from the male.