Can Endler's Livebearer and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) Live Together?

Endler's Livebearer is a peaceful species (1/10), while Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Endler's Livebearer.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Endler's Livebearer and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Endler's Livebearer and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Endler's Livebearer is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–25 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

To house Endler's Livebearer and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Endler's Livebearer and Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Endler's Livebearer.