Mixing Puffer Species 5/31/05
Pufferpunk, Thanks so much for the quick reply,
<Sure!>
By 'cycled' I mean that I allowed the nitrifying bacteria to build up by having my niece's goldfish in the tank for a few days several weeks ago.  I took her out, and now she's no worse for wear.  The ammonia, then nitrite spiked and has since leveled out (meaning both at 0, nitrate low). 
<I'm sorry to say that if there have been no fish in there for over 24-48 hours, the tank has to be cycled again.  There has been no "food" by way of ammonia, to keep the bacteria alive in your tank.  You can always buy Bio-Spira at the same time as your fish, to "instant cycle" your tank.  Just do a 90% water change before hand.  I'm afraid cycling w/GF can also add certain diseases that other fish can't handle, to your tank.>
I have decided to stick with a freshwater set-up, and I was wondering if mixing dwarf puffers and South American puffers would work. 
<The vicious biting dwarves have caused problems for my SAPs, even in a much larger tank--I don't suggest it.>
If not I think I'll stick to my original plan of dwarfs and an Oto.  Thanks again, I really appreciate it!
<Good idea!  Should be a nice, interesting tank.  For info on DPs go to: www.dwarfpuffers.com  ~PP>

Tank Mates for the Green spotted Puffer  10/31/04
<Pufferpunk here>
I'm new to the aquarium hobby, but loving it.  I have a tank with three green spotted puffers.  I would like to diversify.  Are there any other types of fish that can cohabit with puffers without becoming a meal?
<I really don't suggest puffers at all, for novice fishkeepers--especially the brackish water ones.  Have you read this article about them? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/gspsart.htm  Everything you need to know about them is in there.  ~PP>

Bossy Puffer  10/26/04
<Pufferpunk here>
I ignored you warning about my GSP "Pongo" being too aggressive for my F8, but now "Munk" (he has the scream face on his back) the F8 is pushing Pongo and eating almost everything I throw into the tank. I don't think this is that bad of a problem now I'm sure if the GSP was hungry he would push back but I though to cut down on hostility could I re-arrange the tank plants and drift wood? I'm sure this isn't the biggest case of civil disturbance you hear its more like sibling rivalry but any ideas would be nice.
<You're GSP may be less aggressive as a juvenile & could possibly starve, if you don't give him a chance to eat.  Moving the decor around may help, but you might just have to separate the two.  You can also try feeding at opposite ends of the tank.  ~PP>
Thanks

Mixing BW Puffers in a 20g Tank
<Hi, Pufferpunk here>
I have started my 20 gal brackish puffer tank with a medium GSP and a figure 8.  I can already tell the GSP is a little more pushy than the figure 8. When I chose my next two puffer should I exclude getting another GSP or the less aggressive figure 8, and what would be the ideal choice to have a happy tank?
Thanks for your website
<1st of all I need to request that when writing your emails, please use proper capitalization & punctuation.  I have to correct this myself, before sending it on to the FAQs at our website.  I'm not sure I understand your question.  Are you adding 2 more puffers to your 20g tank?  As you have already noticed, the GSP is too aggressive to house with the milder F8 in such a small tank.   As the GSP gets larger & even more aggressive, it will only get worse for the poor little F8.  Also, a 20g tank really isn't big enough for an adult (6") GSP.  What I'd do is find a home or return the GSP & get 1 more F8.  Only 1 F8/10g.  Here's a great article on them: http://www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/8puffer.shtml  ~PP>

Figure 8 Pufferfish  6/23/04
Hey Again!
<Hey again yourself!>
Geez, that was a fast response!
<I'm on the ball today!>
I have one more quick question. Would it be alright to add one of those suckerfishes (I can't think of the name.. but they are the ones who swim around and suck up all of the algae and stuff in the tank) into the tank?
<The "suckerfish" you are talking about is a freshwater fish & doesn't like salt.  It's called a Plecostomus.  If you plan to keep these puffers for any length of time, they are best kept in brackish water.>
Or would a snail be better, since a suckerfish lacks the protection from the Puffer?
<Puffers eat snails & they don't like salt either.>
Oh, and you're right. Figure 8's are cute!
And I've got somewhat bad news.. I think he died. He hasn't moved lately..
<Sorry to hear that.  Did you get the water tested?>  
Well, thanks for the help for my next fish!
<Make sure & read that article I linked you to.>
Btw, how long has your Pufferfish lasted? Do you also have a Figure 8?
<Yes, I have 3 figure 8 puffers.  I've only had them for about a year, but they can live 18+ years if cared for properly. I have a total of 14 puffers in all   ~PP>

Keeping BW & FW fish together  4/27/05
Hello:
<Hi, Pufferpunk again>
Thank you for all your help. My LFS has steered me VERY wrong,
leading me to believe my cichlids (electric yellow, jewel, blue
Johanna <I think>) are brackish water fish......
<As I mentioned before, cichlid salt is not the same as the marine salt, used to make BW.>
OPPS, I also have 2 GSPs. My question is, although I know GSP's Like full SW as adults will they survive in a light brackish tank i.e. 1.004-1.008?  
<As juvies yes, but your other fish won't appreciate those conditions.  Also, as they get older, they will get meaner & bother your other fish (fin-nipping, possibly killing).  For GSPs to thrive (not just survive), they will need a much higher SG.  Not necessarily SW, but high-end BW.  One of the he reasons for getting it up to SW is, that a protein skimmer can then be utilized, which is a great filter to use for fish.>
I would love to keep them and the cichlids together, I now have a 30G hex BUT looking for a 55-75 G Tank.
<You'll need at least a 55, just for the puffers as 6" adults.>
MAN, I started out with guppies. LOL! The money adds up.  VERY addictive.
<Boy, are you ever right!  I now have 9 tanks & 15 puffers!.  Please don't keep FW & BW fish together.  ~PP>
Thanks again for the help I am slowly learning and appreciate the advice. Mike

Lonely Dwarf Puffer? 4/19/04
Thank you Pufferpunk for your help! I was surprised to receive your reply so soon.
<Sure, that's what I'm here for. If it sounds like a life or death emergency, I try to get to it right away!>
I tried doing what you suggested but he didn't make it after all... I hope it wasn't the salt that killed him :( I added a little cos I thought it'll help him respond better to the medicine.. You can be sure I wont make that same mistake again! 
<After the mistreatment he had, I doubt a little salt did him in.>
And yes I do plan to go give the seller a good piece of my mind!! 
<The owner has the power.>
I'm wondering if you can help me again.. should I purchase another companion for my 1st dwarf puffer (A)... The seller (that same fella who puffed my new puffer (B)!!) told me he'll do fine with my other fishes --- 2 bat fishes (Platax boersi) and 6 clown loaches, and didn't warn me that the dwarf puffer could go around nipping slow fishes, (his endless pecking drove my bats quite batty!!!), so now he's in his own tank. 
<Huh? Did you say bat fishes? Those are strictly Marine fish! You have them in freshwater??? See: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/spadfsh.htm  You're also aware that clown loaches grow to 12"?><<Actually, ephippids are brackish as small/juveniles. RMF>>
I'm worried that he's too lonely... do you think he'll be fine or should I get him a companion? How big is your lone puffer's tank. If it is at least 5 gal, you could add another 1 or 2, making sure you have all females, or only 1 male. You can tell how to sex them here: http://www.rr.iij4u.or.jp/~kohda/en/en-dwarfpuffer.htm >
I'm really sorry for the long email... hope you'll have a wonderful day.
<Thanks, you too! ~PP>

Tank Mates for Figure 8 Puffers?  11/29/04
<It's me, Pufferpunk again!>
Guess I'll get a bigger tank!!
You are right - my fault for not looking deeper into these fish --
So can I put another fish in with the F8 puffer? What type??
I'm headed to the library after work today ...
<I have a lovely 29 g tank with 3 F8s, 2 pairs of knight gobies & 6 bumblebee gobies.  A 30g long tank would be even better for that combo.  ~PP>
Thanks Pufferpunk -- Looks like I will be getting a bigger tank!!
<Come & join us over at www.thepufferforum.com!  ~PP>

Puffer wins the battle, loses the war... Betta loses overall
I need some help. <Will try> I just got my 2nd Betta fish. I also got a 10 gallon tank and some small fish. I was told I could put a Betta in the tank and they should be fine. Well I didn't know that I had a little puffer fish that was a semi aggressive fish in there. I think he (not sure who did it) destroyed my Betta's tail. <Almost 100% sure> The puffer died and not sure if that is why but a little glad he did if it was him cause that was not nice. <It wasn't nice or mean, just the nature of a puffer> Now the Betta is all sad and hides all day and I have not seen him much. Don't know if I should take him out cause the mean fish is dead. I don't believe it will grow back right? <Sure, he can regrow his fins> I don't know what to do or if he is going to die or what. <No promises, but if the only thing damaged is the fins he has a good chance of living. Add about 2 tablespoons of aquarium salt to the 10 gallon to stop any infection from getting a foot hold. Keep his water clean by changing about 2 or 3 gallons of water a week> When the lights are on it doesn't seem like anyone is bothering him. <Good> But at night when the light is out I am not sure. <Unless you have a catfish, they all sleep at night> I really do think it was the puffer because no one bothered with him. What should I do. Will he die? Is he depressed. <Maybe a little hurt, not depressed> Can I help him. I feel so bad. He can swim but try's to dig his head in the rocks to hide. Please tell me what to do.
Thanks
Kerry
<Hi Kerry, Don here. If you keep your Betta's water very clean and fresh and add the salt he has a good chance of living. BTW, your pufferfish was not being mean. He was being a pufferfish. I don't want to make you feel bad, but the meanest thing that happened was putting the Betta in with him. Please research any animal you may want before you buy it. When we take any animal into our care we become responsible for their health and well being. Nothing we can do now except learn from this. Pufferfish are very smart, and aggressive, fish with a really great personality. They make great pets. But it is their nature to nip at long fins on slow swimming fish like your Betta.>   

Re: Betta's Tail Eaten by Puffer  11/01/04
<Hi, Pufferpunk here>
I'm sorry about the Betta fish where the puffer ate the tail.  I did take him out and put him in a little bowl.  Is he is pain?  Where can I get the salt?  Please tell me what I should do.
<Your Betta is best in a tank of 2-3 gallons all by itself.  If you can find Melafix, that should repair it's tail.  You can add a teaspoon of table salt to it's water.  Make sure you use dechlorinator in his bowl.  I don't think he is in any pain, but is very uncomfortable.  You should never keep a puffer with any fish with long fins.  Actually, most puffers are best kept alone.  What kind of puffer do you have?  How big is the tank & what other fish are in there?  ~PP>

Green Smelly Water
       Hi, again. <Hi, Don here today. Just got done reading your earlier questions to get up to speed with the advice given by Jorie and Mike D.> Well, I didn't know that about being able to tell about how far along a fish is in pregnancy. As you probably can tell I am a beginner at all this. <As we are all/were> I just want to try to do things right, I am very much an animal lover and I don't want to hurt any animal (fish or otherwise) in any way. <Agreed>
        To answer your question on the 2 green-spotted puffers I just got, no they have not killed each other yet. <"Yet" being an important part of that sentence. Some will get along fine then one day you wake up to only one puffer> Actually, they seem quite content with each other. The only time they show any slight irritation with each other is
when they eat. All they do then is if one is going for food that the other one is trying to get, it will chase the other one off a little bit. Other than that they are always by each other. I do plan to move them to a bigger tank in the near future, but right now they are both small and have plenty of room to swim and play and eat. <They will grow to about 6" and need brackish to full salt to live a healthy, full life. Read here for more info from Pufferpunk, our keeper of all puffer knowledge. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/gspsart.htm >
       Thank you for the compliment on my persistence. I don't work and I always wanted to have an aquarium full of fish (and now I have 4 aquariums) and like I said before I love animals of all kinds. <An aquarium "full of fish" is not a good aquarium. Much better to have a few well kept "display quality" fish then a bunch that are small and unhealthy from overstocking> Oh, by the way still no babies, but that's ok she will eventually have them. <Yep, I assume you are referring to the guppies from the earlier post here>
           Sorry, I do have another question. <No problem> I am looking to give a home to 11 different varieties of goldfish. I can't keep them, I am having trouble with my 55 gallon tank that I have them in. My water is always green and smells horrid, <If it smells bad to you, imagine what your fish are thinking> I was told that the goldfish are the reason the water is like that. <Yep, Too many of these large waste producers> I have to change the water at least 2 -3 times a week to keep the water from smelling so bad and to keep the ammonia levels down. I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both of my hands <Ouch, I understand the pain> and I just can't keep up with that tank. Do you know how I can try to find them a home? I am not looking to get any money off of them, I just want them to go where they will be taken good care of. I have tried calling a few local pet stores but they said they weren't interested. Again sorry for taking your time up, I just finally found someone who knows what they are talking about. Trust me I have gotten some really bad advice.
<Wow, eleven goldfish in a 55 would be a challenge. Look into a Python siphon system. It hooks to your tap and will both drain and refill your tank. No more bucket lugging and lifting. Even has a gravel vac nozzle to get all the waste out. I'm sure it will save you a lot of pain in maintaining four tanks. But you still need to lower the number of fish in the 55. Just take them to the LFS, don't call ahead. I'm sure they get that call several times a week and have been told to say no. But if you just show up with some nice fancy goldfish, I bet they take them. As to the green, smelly and ammonia tainted water, you are under filtering and over feeding. Even if you are feeding the fish the perfect amount to thrive, it's too much for your filter to process into nitrite, and finally nitrate. Reducing the bio load, cleaning the gravel and adding more bio filtration will clear the tank. I like Marineland's Bio Wheel design. They take a little work to maintain, but do a great job of removing ammonia and nitrite. But even the best filter will not slow the water changes needed for this many goldfish. You'll still be doing 2 or 3 a week to control nitrates. Lowering the number of fish and removing waste via a gravel vac will help greatly. Don>     

Mixing Puffer Species  3/14/04
<Hi Kerri, it's Pufferpunk here.  I need to start out by asking you to use proper capitalization when necessary in your questions.  All these correspondences are posted on our website & I have to spend precious time rewriting your emails, taking time away from answering other questions.>
Hello!  I have 4 freshwater puffers.  2 leopards, 1 figure eight, and 1 South American.  
<Hmmm  It sounds to me that you have 2 FW puffers & 2 BW puffers.  You can start out by reading these articles:  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/gspsart.htm  
http://www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/8puffer.shtml
http://www.aaquaria.com/aquasource/sapuffer.shtml>
They all share a 55-gallon together with a feeder guppy surprisingly.  They all get along well, but I've been told not to mix puffers with other fish because of how aggressive they are towards others unlike them.  The difference with the guppy is he's been there all along.  What kind of fish, if you know of any, can I put in with my little buddies??  
<After all that reading you may have some different questions after you split these 3 different puffers into 3 different tanks.  The 55g would be good for 2 adult "leopard" or green spotted puffers.>  Also, my 2 leopards have been particularly friendly with each other.  Now, when I first got "Cosmo" (he/she) was the last addition, "Cosmo" tried to run the tank.  But sooner or later he became friendly and now they all get along.  However, the past week "Cosmo" and "Hootie" my other leopard, have been particularly friendly with each other.  I have a rock formation in case they want to hide, and they take turns guarding the rock, and they chase the others away.  One, will guard the rock for so long, then the other will guard.  and then they'll both go under there and sort of "play" with each other.  I don't know exactly what to call it because I've never seen my puffers act like this.  Is it possible they're mating?? Or could they all-ready?  
<I doubt that.  It sounds like a territorial dispute. Puffers need a heavily decorated tank with lots of broken lines of sight.>
Your site is awesome.  <Thanks!> I've been searching for so long on a good site where I can find FAQ's about my fish.  Thanks a bunch for running such a great site!  =)  Kerri
<You're welcome.  I hope this info isn't too disappointing to you.  If you follow the info on the articles I linked you to, your puffers will live a long, healthy & happy life!  ~PP>

Combining Puffers in One Tank  3/14/04
<Pufferpunk ar your service>
How will a GSP and a Figure 8 puffer get along? My GSP
is real chill.
<GSPs require at least 20g each.  I know it is probably small right now & looks dwarfed in a tank that size, but if you look at mine (the puffer photo in my article) you'll see how large they wind up growing.  Also, GSPs prefer SW as adults & are extremely aggressive, while F8s prefer low-end BW, they only grow to 3" & are mildly aggressive.  Not really a good match.>
Also, there is a red eye puffer I want, how would he
get along with my GSP?  The red eye is pretty big.
<Puffers are best kept in species only tanks.  I have had success in keeping similar-mannered puffers together (GSPs W/Ceylons, or dwarves with South Americans) but in very large tanks with a heavy load of decor & many broken lines of sight.  As far as a red-eye puffer, there are many puffers w/red eyes that could be labeled as such by a LFS.  Common names are difficult to ID a fish with.  If you're still interested in this fish (in a separate tank) & you are concerned about it's care & temperament, you can look for an ID here:
http://www.pufferfish.co.uk/aquaria/species/pufferfish/index.htm
<Good luck with your puffer, I'm glad it's doing well!  ~PP>

Maid Service for GSP tank?  3/12/04
OK, my GSP has never been happier since I have followed your advice.
<That's great!  Always glad to hear of happier puffers!>
I can already notice his (her?) behavior and coloration improvement. A couple more questions.  Are there any small scavengers I could add to my 20 gallon tank that the GSP will get along with?  Are hermit crabs scavengers? I read in your article
that you tricked the GSP to allow the hermits.
<Hermit crabs great scavengers, but are strictly saltwater.  My adult GSPs are in SW now.>
I have read that some catfish (Colombian shark, white tip shark cat) will do fine in brackish, but they would seem to get too big for a 20 gallon tank with my cute little puffer, and I want my GSP to reach full size (how big will it get?)
<With the proper care, GSPs can grow to 6".  (Mine are that size now.)  Those catfish grow to 18".>
Also, how can you tell the difference between male/female GSP?
<Only the puffers know for sure.>
How would a puffer do with a butterfly fish? Do the
butterfly fish tolerate brackish?
<Nope, they prefer soft water, the opposite of BW.  As it says in the GSP article, "Because of their aggressiveness towards tank mates and the high amount of salt they prefer, there are not many fish that can live with them as companions in general, or for clean up."  Not many fish can go through the extreme salinity changes necessary for a GSPs life & be able to stand up to their teeth.>  
-Logan
<You'll just have to do your own maid service.  I'm thinking of trying some hardy starfish next though.  ~PP>

Puffers Eat Crabs?  3/11/04
Thanks Puffer Punk. I think I'm in love with you.
hehehe :)
<Awwww, shucks!  I think my hubby might have to move over !;o)>
Seriously, you've helped me out a lot.
<Great!  Puffers are my passion.>
One more thing, will a puffer eat a fiddler crab?
<Crustaceans are what puffers eat.  My larger puffs eat them on a regular basis.  Smaller puffs could certainly do some damage to them.  ~PP.>

Freshwater Puffers and Goldfish?  6/14/04
<Hi, Pufferpunk here>
I'm by no means an expert but so far have had about 20 years of luck
tending to tropical fish and goldfish.  My son has a couple (2) of fresh water puffers.  I don't know the species.  They are light yellowish-green with black spots, and about 1.7 inches long.  
<Sorry to have to tell you this, but your son's puffers sound like green spotted puffers.  They are brackish water fish, which prefer saltwater as adults.  See: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/gspsart.htm>
Lately, I've resorted to just goldfish tending, which are doing great.  
<I love those fish too, especially calico Orandas!>
The "BOY", who is now a teenager, isn't the best caretaker of his fish so I thought about putting the little "puffers" with the goldfish.  
<OMG!  Please no!  Goldfish are messy, heavy ammonia/waste producers.  (So are puffers, for that matter.)  GF are COLDWATER fish & you must never put tropical fish in with them.>
I have observed them being quite aggressive toward shellfish such as crayfish, which they dearly love to feed on.  The "BOY" loves to capture the wild crayfish and feed them to the puffers.
<Yes, crustaceans are their natural food.>
I guess what I want to know is can freshwater "puffers" live in the same type of water as goldfish, and if they are fed properly, will they harm the goldfish?
<As I said before, no way.  And yes, puffers are aggressive fin-biters, that are best in a species only tank.>
Thank you for any insight!
Kirby Luke
<Good luck with your cute little brackish water fish.  Everything you need to know is in the article I linked you to.  ~PP>

More GSP Qs 2/24/04
OK. Cool. The tank is going to be for the puffer. What could I put in with him?
<At a tank that size & the aggressiveness of the puffer, I'd say none.  Eventually, he'll need a larger tank.  If the tank is large enough & heavily decorated with lots of broken lines of sight, you may eventually be able to add a few fish.  The problem is, there are very few fish that prefer the changes in salinity that the GSP does.  They go from low-end BW when juvenile <2”, (in a specific gravity, or SG of 1.005-08), at 2-4”, medium BW  (SG 1.010-15) and adult >4” SW (SG 1.018-22). Even so, I do still find a few missing fish occasionally in my GSP tank.  I have damselfish & a tomato clown living with my adults in SW.  ~PP>

Tank Mates for GSP? 2/23/04
1 Spotted Green Puffer + Electric Blue Lobster in 20
gallon?
<Bad idea.  GSPs' staple foods are crustaceans.  Lobsters' staple food are fish.  One will eat the other, depending on who gets who 1st.  Puffers usually sleep on the bottom of the tank.  This makes it easy pickings for the lobster to grab.  An adult GSP can make an easy meal of a blue lobster & even a juvie puffer could rip off a claw or 2.>
1 Spotted Green Puffer + 1 Jade Puffer in 20 gallon?
<If by "jade" puffer, you are speaking of the Ceylon, or Tetraodon fluviatilis, then they may get along as tank mates.  They both prefer saltwater as adults & are of similar temperaments.  I have 2 6' GSPs living with a 5" Ceylon right now.  The GSP needs at least 20g/fish, as it grows to 6".  The Ceylon needs at least 30g/fish, as it grows to 7-8".  There's not enough room for both in a 20g.  Also, there's always a chance you get a aggressive killer as a puffer (especially the GSP) that won't tolerate any tank mates of any kind.>
Thanks. -LH
<You're welcome.  GSPs are one of my favorite puffers!  If you have any other questions about their care & feeding, I'll be happy to help.  In the proper conditions, these puffers can give you enjoyment for 10+ years!  ~PP>

Lobsters & Puffers 2/24/04
Thanks for the advice. One more for you:
<Sure, Pufferpunk here again>
Electric Blue Lobster vs. Clown Loaches?
Basically, I have this lobster in a tiny tank, less
than 10 gallons I imagine. I have a 20 gallon that has
my Green Puffer, and a 29 gallon with a couple
angelfish, 2 clown loaches, a pleco, and an Indian
perch.
<Your puffer will be ok alone in a tank that size.  It should be in brackish water now.  The angelfish will grow as large as your outstretched hand, Clown loaches & Plecos grow 12+".  The perch grows 6-10" & is a coldwater fish.  I think you've got some problems there."  The lobster grows to 4-5" & needs a 15-20g tank.  It is a scavenger, but will eat anything it can catch in it's claws.>   
I'd like to move the lobster to one of those, but as
you stated, it seems he and the puffer just ain't
gonna work out, especially if I'd like to get the
"jade" puffer (as they have him listed in the store).
Suggestions?
<Again, I will remind you, the GSP will grow to 6" & need at least 20g for itself.  The "jade" puffer (is this it? http://www.pufferfish.co.uk/aquaria/species/pufferfish/types/ceylon.htm) grows to 7-8" & needs at a 30g for itself.  Together, I wouldn't put them in anything less than a 40g tank.>
Thanks once again...
<You'll need to figure somethin out here, soon!  ~PP>

Puffers & Gobies? 2/08/04
Hey thanks PP!
<Sure, anytime!>
Thanks for your wisdom on water - I am actually
waiting for my mangroves to arrive and will get them
going first...
ONE MORE QUESTION
But I was thinking about having 1-2 puffers (green or
figure 8) and a few knight gobies. Is this a dangerous
mix? Will one eat the other?
<I am having success with figure 8s (T biocellatus) living with bumblebee gobies & knight gobies. I even have a dragon goby with them & so far, so good.  I was a little concerned about the dragon, since he is more sedentary than other gobies.  GSPs (T nigroviridis) on the other hand, are way to aggressive (at least as adults) to live with slower-moving fish like gobies.  Even at 2", I never seemed to keep gobies with my GSPs.>
OR
Would a Goby/Fiddler crab arrangement work better?
<Crabs will eat anything standing still. Males have the larger  claw (cooler-looking IMO). You might be able to try females.>  
If so, would it be a bad idea to use bog-wood for the
fiddlers to crawl out of?
<As long as they can't crawl out of the tank.>
Just figuring it may take some time for the Mangroves to make a root labyrinth (by the way do these guys (puffers, gobies or fiddlers eat mangroves?????)
<No>
I just liked the idea of a natural filter...
Thanks again! John
<Sure, sounds like a fun tank! ~PP>

Puffer confusion (09/17/03)
<Hi! Ananda here today...>
I have had a Fig-8 puffer (2 inches) in a brackish system (29 gallon, SG=1.008, pH=8.2), with a green scat (3.5 inches ), and five bumblebee gobies.  Everything was going good for a while, until my scat became a little too comfortable, and aggressive.
<They get big, too... too large for a 29 gallon, eventually.>
I don't know what I was thinking, but when I was at the LFS, I fell for what they called a Jade Puffer (about 3.5 inches; also known as Ceylon puffer, and same genus/species as fig-8).
<I'm not certain they're the same species... they are sometimes sold as the same genus/species and have some similarities, but are from very different areas.>
I tried the new puffer in my existing tank after a slow acclimation.  Once in the tank, aggression was higher than before, but I probably should have been anticipating that, so now the Ceylon puffer is alone in a 20H.  The scat is scared for his life right?
<Well, that may be getting a bit anthropomorphic, but possibly...>
I know your site says fig-8's are freshwater, but I have read both sides of the matter.  
<Me, too.>
I would like to get rid of my scat, and go freshwater with both tanks if possible.  
I would appreciate any help.
Ian
<Hmmm. Your bumblebee gobies are definitely brackish. If you wish to keep them, you should have at least one brackish tank. --Ananda>

Puffer killed 2 goldfish
Hey...
<Hey yourself. :-) Ananda here, answering the puffer questions.>  
I just separated the 1.5 inch blowfish to a fish ready 20 gal. tank.  It was green with black dots, but now it's all dark purple with a small green spot on it's head, and not moving.  I put a very small piece of tuna in with it.  Can I leave it be?
<First of all, this may not be a freshwater puffer. From your description, this sounds like a green-spotted puffer, which is a brackish-water fish. These fish normally eat mollusks, shellfish, snails, and the like. These fish can change colors when resting or hiding. Do check to see that the fish's belly is still bright white; grey indicates stress. The fish should be happy in the 20 gallon tank, presuming you can meet its needs. Please start reading here: http://wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/fwbracpuffers.htm.
--Ananda>

Brackish corals and puffers
>How much coral do you have to put in a 10 gallon brackish tank with green spotted puffers.
>>None.
>I never see coral in brackish tanks anywhere only in saltwater tanks. Do they like a high ph or only saltwater puffers?
>>Corals like relatively high pH, and require so much for their growth that I couldn't begin to address it here.  If you're speaking of using coral skeletons in a tank with marine puffers, then I would caution against it as I have seen torn skin (they don't have scales.  Marina

Spotted puffers
I just purchased 3 small spotted puffers for my 30 gallon hex tank. puffers are about 1" to 1 1/2" long. how many can my 30 gal hex accommodate and what is the preferred list of food for them? josh Nichols
<these adorable little creatures are extremely aggressive to each other and to other fish as they mature!!! They will literally pick each others eyes out. I'll be surprised if you keep three in this 30 unscathed for more than a year. Much has been written in the FAQs and beyond on our WetWebMedia site. Please do peruse starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwpuffers.htm
Please be sure to explore the links for the FAQs near the top of the page. Best regards, Anthony>

Spotted puffers
I just purchased 3 small spotted puffers for my 30 gallon hex tank. The puffers are about 1" to 1 1/2" long. How many can my 30 gallon hex accommodate and what is the preferred list of food for them? Josh Nichols
<Well Josh, shame on you for not asking those questions before you purchased them. Please see here regarding their care and growth http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/fwbracpuffers.htm -Steven Pro>

Re: Green Spotted Puffer Problems
Please explain to me again why the fish we have are not compatible with each other.
<Please see the previous four emails. There is not much else I can add.>
The catfish is a pictus by the way. They all get along fine
<For now>
and are very healthy especially since the very unfortunate passing of our pufferfish. Their water quality has been perfect, at a pH of 7, neutral.
<There are many other aspects of water quality beyond pH; presence of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved organics, hardness, oxygen, etc.>
I understand that the loaches prefer acidic water and others alkaline but I have been told by other sites that as long as there is a neutral pH that pretty much all fish will adapt to and be healthy.
<Fish can adapt to this middle ground, but it is not the best situation for them. It is a compromise where all live but none thrive.>
I have owned pictus cats before and they have never shown aggression as someone mentioned previously.
<They are capable of eating small fish.>
Even in a 55 gallon tank. So except for the size of tank, why are they not compatible? Sorry to be confused.
<If you are truly confused, I am sorry. We have given you the best advice we can. There is nothing more to be added at this point, but I get the distinct impression that you are not confused, you merely do not like our answers. You mention searching other websites and finding information that supports what you want to do. There is nothing else to say now. You have the information. Make your own decision. -Steven Pro>

Re: Green Spotted Puffer Problems
If it was because I did not like your answers I would not even bother asking. I find that quite a rude response to someone trying to get information from all available avenues.
<I have no problem with people searching out all available means of education and them making an informed decision about their situation. I find it rude and a waste of our time for someone to come back with the same question five times for the same answer.>
Who is to say that all of your information is the end all be all anyway.
<I never said it was. I can tell you factually how large each of those fish reaches as an adult and that a 20 gallon tank will assuredly stunt their growth and kill them.>
You site should be dedicated to helping people pursue this hobby
<Our website and the Q&A is available to help others help themselves.>
and not try to make them feel inferior because you think you have more knowledge.
<I never meant to make you feel inferior. I was just tired of repeating myself.>
I represent the majority of people out there. I can assure you that most novice fish owners do exactly what the pet stores say.
<Absolutely correct, but in the face of conflicting information based on the actual, undeniable adult size of your animals, you continue to doubt our collective advise to this day.>
I being more than a novice pet owner know there is a middle ground between you and the pet stores. Both on opposite extremes.
<I would not say that. I think many times we agree with good stores. Not all stores are bad. There are many excellent fish stores with highly trained and knowledgeable staff.>
For example you say that our clown loaches need a 125 gallon tank to be "happy".
<Perhaps I should have stated it differently. It will need a tank that size to turn around.>
Well, I am sorry but if you are truly a fish advocate you would know that for them to be truly "happy" you would not take them out of the wild in the first place since the are all wild caught.
<I am not a fish advocate. I am an industry professional, advocate, and mentor.>
Again there has to be a happy medium. Anyway Steven, since you have chosen to be disrespectful I would appreciate you forwarding any future emails to your co-workers.
<Do not worry, I will avoid you like the plague.>
I do value some of the information I have been given but your attitude is totally unprofessional.
<I found you repeatedly returning saying (to paraphrase) "So and so said I could do it. What do you think now?" disrespectful and a tremendous waste of our time. Sincerely, Steven Pro>

Figure 8 Puffers
Will figure 8 puffers get on well with these fish. If
I get two fish, will they bother each other instead of
the other fish?
Sucking loach
Red tailed black shark
Dwarf Gourami
Kuhli (Eel) loach
Bronze Catfish
Neon tetra
Zebra Danio
Guppies
Flame tetra >
>
No... these marine/brackish puffers are "nippy", and will outright eat the neons and guppies... and bite the other fishes as they can approach them...
Bob Fenner

Re: Figure 8 Puffers
Are there any other types of freshwater puffer that
will get along with these fish?
Thanks
Tim Jeffree >
IMO not really... even the truly freshwater species from the Africa and South America are fin nippers... Best kept with other similarly "mean" fish livestock.
Bob Fenner

Freshwater Puffers?
I found your address on the wet web media site. I seen a figure eight puffer and a green puffer at the pet store the other day. The worker was unable to help me. I was wondering if you could. I would like to know what kind of things they like to eat, are they aggressive, and where could I find more info about them? Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jodi >
Hi there. Yes these two (really marine, though somewhat adjustable to more freshwater conditions) Puffers are eager eaters of most anything meaty. Most folks feed them "human consumption" type shrimps, fish flesh... And, unfortunately they're both notoriously "nippy"... not necessarily aggressive, but do real damage to easier going tankmates (fish and invertebrates), and thus should be housed only with "tough, mean" types of livestock... best, really in a dedicated "brackish" setting with other rough and tumble fishes, plants that can/do tolerate some concentration of salts. More information? Hmm, try inserting the word for their genus, Tetraodon, in your search engines, directories.
Be chatting, Bob Fenner

Figure 8 Puffer
Hi Bob,
I was wondering what other "mean" fish will a figure 8 puffer get a long with. Thanks!
<Larger, faster, meaner types... the best really are other brackish water species... the other not-so freshwater tetraodont puffers, Monodactylus, scats, Chromides, archerfishes... you can find a bunch about these possibilities, even brackish water plants through a read through past hobbyist magazines... and goosing me to get more of my brackish pieces on our WWM site...
Bob Fenner>

Puffers and Lobsters (freshwater)
Hi, I've got a freshwater lobster that's about six inches long. I keep it by itself in a little fishtank, because it used to nip my catfish. Could I introduce some little figure eight puffers or green spotted puffers into the tank? 
<I wouldn't... they're likely to get eaten at night>
I'm afraid that either the puffers would get eaten, or the lobster would get eaten. Do you think that it'd be a safe combination?
Also, do you know how long the lobster can live for?
<A few to a handful of years. Bob Fenner>
Thanks
Tim Jeffree

Colomesus psittacus
I have a 75 gallon freshwater tank with the following fish: 5 green barbs, 2 Bala shark, 3 dwarf Gourami, and 2 Suckermouth cats. I just bought 3 Colomesus psittacus which the aquarium store said were compatible with my set up and would only grow to 4-6". (tank has small pebble base, lots of plants, large rock formations and driftwood.) The information I have been
able to find on this fish is conflicting. Are they freshwater or brackish?
<Actually kind of both... found along Atlantic coast and inland waters... please see here on fishbase.org: http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?ID=
and the Freshwater Puffer FAQs on our site here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fwpufferfaqs.htm >
Will they become aggressive? They are fairly peaceful now. I don't want to have these little guys either get hurt, or harm my other fish. Thanks,
Happy Holidays, Elizabeth
<I've had good luck with this species leaving most everything else alone (unlike so many other freshwater to brackish puffers), and all but your Gouramis are fast, smart enough to stay/get out of their way. I would just keep them fed (meaty foods daily) and keep an eye on them. Be chatting. Bob Fenner>

Pufferfish (again!)
Hi Bob,
Please accept my apologies for burdening you with yet another Pufferfish question!
<Okay>
I recently obtained an attractive 30 UK gal tank as a gift and I have chosen to be boring and fill it with brackish puffers as with all my other tanks! 
<Nice gift>
I have heard from various sources that keeping two puffers together results in one being dominant and bullying the other to death whereas keeping them in a small group would ease the one on one bullying as it has in my 150gal puffer tank. My proposed stocking ideas for my 30 gal is either two figure eights puffers or one green spotted puffer on its own (or if I have any luck, a Ceylon Puffer!)
Would it be wiser for me to add 3 figure of eights so its more of a group? 
<Yes>
Or would it be better to go for just one larger fish such as a Green Spotted rather than keeping several Figure of eights together in a small tank?
Many thanks for your advice once again,
<Worth trying the group first. Do keep an eye out, perhaps a phone call in to suppliers for "oddball" puffers in their imported shipments... from Africa, Asia... there are very often "contaminants"... not-listed species mixed in... Bob Fenner>
Kris

- Pernicious Puffer Problems -
Hi wet web crew!!
<Greetings, Tom, JasonC here...>
I'm having problems with my puffer. I started off with 3 figure 8 puffers in a 55 litre tank. There were all fine for about a month, then the largest one attacked the smaller 2 and they both died.
I kept it as just one puffer since then, but he has recently gone off his food and has started to swim at the top of the tank, head up. It looks like he is breathing in air, but he doesn't puff up. when i put some food in (brine shrimp is what he is on at the mo, i couldn't find any bloodworm) he looks at it very excited but doesn't eat it.
He hasn't changed colour, still seems quite mobile and hasn't lost much weight. <Well... puffers sometime go on hunger strikes, why they do it is not easily revealed. They are also sensitive to water quality, so you might want to look there first. You should also read through all the FAQ's we've accumulated as we get a lot of questions about these fish. Here's a good place to start:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/fwbracpuffaqs.htm >
any advice you could give me would be very much appreciated!
Thank you
Tom Hird
<Cheers, J -- >