Can Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) 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

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)

Dichotomyctere ocellatus

Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)

Hoplias aimara

🐠Family Group
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Puffers
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Oddballs
Temperament
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Aggressive (8/10)
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
24–28°C
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
7.5–8.5
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
10–25
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
2–15
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Brackish Required
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Moderate
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 1500 L
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
60 L
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
1500 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
MiddleBottom
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Snail EaterShrimp EaterFin NipperGenerally AggressiveTerritorial (Defends specific area)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Jumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)?

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.

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) is highly aggressive (10/10). This modest difference means Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) may occasionally assert dominance over Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish).

Both Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) 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.

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.

Worth noting: Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 7.5 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.

Tank Setup

To house Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 1500 litres with a minimum length of 240 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). 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) 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 Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) need?

A minimum of 1500 litres (tank length at least 240 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 Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) 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 Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) aggressive?

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) is highly aggressive (10/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) and Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) nip Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara)'s fins?

Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish) is a known fin nipper. If Monster Wolf Fish (Aimara) 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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