Can Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk Live Together?
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Malawi Hawk is semi-aggressive (7/10). This modest difference means Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) may occasionally assert dominance over Malawi Hawk.
Both Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk 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: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks. Two aggressive species housed together increases risk of fighting.
Water Parameters
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 7.8 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.
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Tank Setup
To house Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk together, plan for an aquarium of at least 475 litres with a minimum length of 180 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). 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.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk need?
A minimum of 475 litres (tank length at least 180 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) or Malawi Hawk aggressive?
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Malawi Hawk is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Malawi Hawk need?
Both species overlap in the 7.8–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) nip Malawi Hawk's fins?
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is a known fin nipper. If Malawi Hawk has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
How do I manage Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)'s territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
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