The Figure Eight Puffer is a small puffer fish, native to the warm waters of Southeast Asia. The f8 are deep brown in color on the upper portion of the body, and white on the underside. Yellow spots and lines are sprinkled throughout the body. Their name comes from the markings across the back that resembles a figure eight. The f8 grows to about a max of 3 inches it is impossible to predict the behavior of any particular specimen. There is a wide range of "personality" within this fish species, some individuals of this species may be milder while others can end up being incurable nippers or even killers. The f8 is highly adaptable to water conditions, it can live in fresh water for extended periods, but will be weaker, have a stunted growth, and more subject to disease or infection there, it does best in brackish water with a water temp. of 75-85F. The f8 is most comfortable in a visually and spatially complex evironment, it needs room to swim because it is a very active fish but also needs a place to where it can feel safe (a cave). The f8 needs very clean water with low amounts of nitrite and ammonia, it is recommended to replace 25% of the tank water every one-two weeks.
The f8 is a part of the puffer family which means it has a beak instead of teeth. The beak of the f8 never stops growing throughout its life time, the only way the puffer can trim its teeth is by eating snails in the process they use their beaks to crush the shell and chip off parts of their beak. The f8 diet consists of live snails, shrimp, and worms. The f8 needs a minimum space of fifteen gallons with an additional ten gallons per other f8 in the tank. The f8 is often sold in rough condition do to improper care and often mistaken with the green spotted puffer a similiar looking puffer that grows to be six inches long. The f8 is a fish full of personality, puffers are known as the "dogs of the fish world" and are the most intelligent species of fish. In the end, I would recommend the f8 for people that have some past experience with fish (besides goldfish), have all the necessary equipment, and the time to take care of this fish. This site is dedicated to Fritz my dead f8 puffer who I loved and took great care of then later lost time for and soon died.
