How much salt do bumblebee gobies and figure eight puffers need?

Both need brackish water, roughly 1.005-1.012 specific gravity. Add marine salt mix, not aquarium salt. A refractometer helps maintain accuracy.

Will my figure eight puffer eat the bumblebee gobies?

Unlikely. Bumblebee gobies are too small and quick for most puffers to catch. They occupy different tank zones, which reduces encounters.

What should I feed figure eight puffers with bumblebee gobies?

Puffers need snails, clams, krill, and other hard-shelled foods. Bumblebee gobies accept small frozen foods and fine granules. Feed puffers separately to ensure they eat enough.

Can Bumblebee Goby Live With Figure Eight Puffer?

By Alex WalshLast reviewed Apr 18, 2026

Yes

Yes, bumblebee gobies and figure eight puffers share a tank well in 15 gallons or larger because both are brackish water species with matching salinity and temperature needs.

Why

Bumblebee gobies and figure eight puffers both thrive in brackish water with specific gravity of 1.005-1.012.
Temperature overlap of 75-82°F suits both species without compromise.
Both prefer slightly alkaline water in the pH range of 7.0-8.5.
Bumblebee gobies stay tiny at 1-1.5 inches and occupy the bottom, while puffers are mid-dwellers that focus on snails and hard food.
Both species are hardy and tolerate the variations in brackish setups.

Minimum shared tank

15 gallons

Shared temperature range

75-82°F

What could go wrong

Figure eight puffers need hard-shelled prey like snails to wear down their teeth. Without enough crunchy food, dental overgrowth becomes a serious health problem.

Gear for a shared tank

Sized for the 15 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.

AquaClear 30 Power Filter

Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 15 gallon minimum.

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Eheim Jager 150W Thermostat Heater

Holds a steady temperature inside the 75-82°F window both species need.

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API Freshwater Master Test Kit

Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in check. Two-species tanks have more bioload and less margin for error than single-species setups.

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