Ocellated Puffer

Leiodon cutcutia

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Other names: Ocellated pufferfish, Cutcutia, Tetraodon cutcutia

Group: Oddballs and specialty fish · Family: Tetraodontidae · Origin: South Asia — rivers and ponds of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar

A freshwater Indian puffer with a large black eyespot ringed in a light color on its flank. It reaches 12–15 cm, is a snail hunter and is best kept alone.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 7–8
Hardness: 8–18 dGH
Adult size: 12 cm
Minimum tank size: 100 liters
Social structure: Solitary
Swimming zone: Middle
Diet: Carnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature24–28°C

pH7–8

General hardness (GH)8–18 dGH

Recommended range

Fin nipper Eats small fish Eats shrimp Eats snails Suitable for planted tanks

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The ocellated puffer is a puffer from the fresh waters of India and Bangladesh, easily recognized by the ringed black eyespot on its flank. It has a simple but striking look in olive-yellow tones. It usually stays around 12 cm and rarely reaches 15 cm. It does not need salt; it likes moderately hard, slightly alkaline water.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 100 liters for a single individual.
Planted decor that breaks lines of sight; roots and rocks.
25–27°C, moderately hard water.
A powerful filter and 30% water changes every week.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Carnivorous. It is fed snails, frozen bloodworms, mysis, mussels and shell-on shrimp. Hard-shelled foods are needed to wear down the teeth.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Territorial and aggressive; it nips fins, hunts shrimp and snails and eats small fish that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: the safest option is to keep it alone.

Avoid: community fish, long-finned species, shrimp, snails, other puffers.

A short profile for this species

The Ocellated Puffer page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.

Natural Habitat Group and Colony Structure Breeding Health and Common Problems Sexing

Tank mates

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