Figure 8 Puffer Care Guide

Figure 8 Puffer (Dichotomyctere biocellatus) is a advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 74-82°F. A small, brackish puffer that needs salinity (specific gravity about 1.005-1.008) to stay healthy, plus a diet of hard-shelled foods to wear down its beak.

Care facts at a glance

Quick tips

• Needs brackish water; do not keep in plain freshwater long-term.
• Feed snails and shell-on foods.
• Keep alone.

San Diego water

Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.