The Puffer Forum

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has owned a Diodontid and a Tetraodontid at some point in their life. If so, how would you compare them, both in keeping them and their behavior. I haven't seen a Diodontid in a LFS in a long time. Could someone comment on them?

There are so many variables involved no-one can say for sure. It's down to the individual puffer.

So are you saying there is not real behavior difference between diodonts and tetraodonts?

basically there can and most likely will be differences in behavior from one GSP to another GSP, and the same with any puffer. you could have one that is vicious, or is more docile. they also get more aggressive when sexually mature, so you may have one that is docile at first, but can turn into a killer not too long after

I would not say that there are clear and specific differences between Diodontidae and Tetraodontidae with regard to behaviour. In general Diodontids (the few available in trade) are comparable to Arothron puffers and not as aggressive as some other puffer species such as T. lineatus or the various piscivores. But results vary a lot from individual to individual.