Orange Saddle Fugu Puffer (Takifugu ocellatus)

A colorful and distinctive member of the open water dwelling Takifugu puffers, the Orange Saddle or Orange Spot Fugu Puffer is found in coastal waters around China and Northern Vietnam, where it inhabits pure freshwater areas, brackish estuaries, and full strength marine waters. Generally, juvenile fish tend to be found in more freshwater habitat but the species does appear to move in and out of different salinities with ease. A fast moving and extremely active fish, they should be provided with plenty of open space in the aquarium and do best with the addition of some salt. A predator in nature, they should be given a varied diet including hard-shelled items like snails, clams, or whole shrimp to wear down their sharp beaks. As with many puffer species, they can be aggressive towards tankmates so larger, fast-moving fish are the safest option but even then should be added with caution.