It is known from the lower reaches of the Mekong (Cambodia), the Peninsular Malaysia as well as Borneo (Sarawak, Kalimantan).
Figure 8 puffers are relatively peaceful among Tetraodontidae, and have been kept successfully with other fish such as bumblebee gobies and mollies, but as with all pufferfish there is a risk that tankmates will not be tolerated.
[citation needed] Like all members of its family, the figure 8 puffer is capable of inflating itself with water or air when stressed or otherwise frightened.
[citation needed] Like the closely related green pufferfish, the figure 8 exhibits euryhalinity, and undergoes epithelial remodeling and changes in the kidneys and gills when exposed to changes in salinity.
Their teeth, a beak formed from two plates, are capable of crushing shells in order to feed on prey.