Ceylon Pufferfish

About

The Ceylon pufferfish (Dichotomyctere fluviatilis) is a compact but feisty brackish-water species native to coastal river systems across South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka through Bangladesh and Myanmar to Borneo, with populations also documented in the Mekong delta. In the wild it favors slow-moving rivers, estuaries, and shaded backwater margins, where it hunts mollusks, crustaceans, and invertebrates. And will occasionally rasp the scales and fins off other fish when the opportunity arises. That last habit gives you a fair preview of its personality in captivity. While often described as slightly more manageable than the figure-eight puffer, it still earns the "aggressive" label and is best kept alone or with carefully chosen tankmates you're prepared to lose. Like other puffers, it lacks true scales and is sensitive to the wrong water chemistry, so maintaining proper brackish conditions is non-negotiable. It explores constantly, probing every surface and corner of the tank, which makes a well-decorated, generously sized setup important for its wellbeing. Keep an eye out for stress coloration. A darkened belly and that distinctive tail-curl are this species' way of telling you something is off. With a potential lifespan stretching into the mid-teens, this is a long-term commitment to a fish with genuine character.