Can Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Lima Shovelnose Catfish Live Together?

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Lima Shovelnose Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This notable difference means Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Lima Shovelnose Catfish.

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

Worth noting: Lima Shovelnose Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 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 Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Lima Shovelnose Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 500 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. 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.

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Lima Shovelnose Catfish 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.