Ocellated Puffer (Takifugu ocellatus)

Family: Tetraodontidae

Ocellated Puffer — a Tetraodontidae from China, 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: China

Species overview

A Tetraodontidae species native to China: Takifugu ocellatus lives middle to bottom over estuaries and brackish shallows. Curious, bold and not to be trusted with tankmates' fins. Adults reach 13.2–19.4 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Takifugu species we profile, alongside Takifugu flavidus, Takifugu obscurus, Takifugu rubripes.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Ocellated Puffer easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Curious, bold and not to be trusted with tankmates' fins; singly, with room to patrol.

What temperature and water chemistry does Ocellated Puffer need?

Hold 24–28 °C and keep it stable — 24.0–28.0 °C typical for the family. Stable warm range.

How big does Ocellated Puffer get, and what tank size?

Expect 13.2–19.4 cm as an adult, living middle to bottom. A 452 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Ocellated Puffer eat?

Needs crunchy prey: snails and shellfish trim the ever-growing teeth. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Ocellated Puffer live with other fish?

Curious, bold and not to be trusted with tankmates' fins. Recommended tankmates: Brackish companions where appropriate — Match the salinity carefully. Avoid Slow or long-finned fish — Fins are trimmed on sight.

Where does Ocellated Puffer come from?

Native to China, where it lives in estuaries and brackish shallows. Still to gentle; High oxygen appreciated.

How does Ocellated Puffer breed?

Spawning reported rarely; courtship on the substrate. Unclear.