Figure 8 Puffer (Dichotomyctere ocellatus)

Many puffers, this species included, accumulate tetrodotoxin — one of the most potent neurotoxins known — not by producing it themselves but by concentrating it from bacteria in their diet and environment, which is why toxicity actually varies between wild and captive-raised individuals. It's a defense mechanism, not an offense one, so normal handling and feeding pose no real risk, just something worth knowing about the fish in your tank.

Care level: Moderate · Temperament: Semi-aggressive · Max size: ~3.5" · Min tank: 20 gal, brackish · Diet: Carnivore, snails + frozen foods