Ocellated Puffer — a Tetraodontidae from 中国, curious, bold and not to be trusted with tankmates' fins. Reaches 13.2–19.4 cm; singly, with room to patrol. 24–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
13.2–19.4 cm
Minimum tank
452 L
Water layer
Middle to bottom
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Curious, bold and not to be trusted with tankmates' fins
Origin
中国
Species overview
Takifugu ocellatus, a member of the family Tetraodontidae, is native to 中国. Its beak never stops growing — hard-shelled prey is not a treat but maintenance. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 13.2–19.4 cm. Singly, with room to patrol. Offer snails routinely, keep water pristine, and choose tankmates (if any) larger than its interest. Maintain 24–28 °C at pH 7.5–8.5. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
Native biotope
Habitat
Estuaries and brackish shallows
Flow
Still to gentle
Dissolved O₂
High oxygen appreciated
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Open sand with sparse decor
Plants
Sparse hardy plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly, with room to patrol
Diet
Needs crunchy prey: snails and shellfish trim the ever-growing teeth
Recommended tankmates
Brackish companions where appropriate — Match the salinity carefully
Avoid keeping with
Slow or long-finned fish — Fins are trimmed on sight
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Unclear
Breeding method
Spawning reported rarely; courtship on the substrate