Ocellated Freshwater Puffer

Leiodon cutcutia is distributed across rivers and backwaters of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, where it inhabits slow-moving weedy shallows and flooded areas. Its ocellated spot pattern provides excellent camouflage among aquatic vegetation. It is a reliable feeder on invertebrates and, unlike many puffers, tolerates somewhat more structured communities with careful selection.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; clean water with regular changes. Tank: Minimum 80 L; densely planted with Java fern, Anubias, and floating cover. Feeding: Snails, bloodworm, daphnia, small crustaceans; variety maintains health. Behaviour: Aggressive fin-nipper; territorial — species-only housing strongly recommended. Compatibility: Species-only; can be attempted cautiously with very fast, robust dither fish.