The Puffer Forum

Hi guys, I can't chose! Okay so I have a fully cycled tank ready and waiting for my new puffer fish but I don't know which ones to get! These are my options- 2 figure 8 puffers or 1 green spotted puffer. Please do not give me info about brackish or salt water tank... I already know how to look after them but my question is which puffer is better to watch? Or which one is more intelligent and responsive? Please answer if you have experience with both of these puffers, I really need your help, thanks guys!

How big is the tank?
I know green spotted puffers tend to pace sometimes in smaller tanks, and that is very *unenjoyable* to watch lol

30 gallons

My two F8s pace a lot in our 30 Gal., so I imagine even a singleton GSP would do the same. Another question is do you intend to have other fish? If you have F8s its feasible, mine dont even nip fins (although I dont keep long-tailed or slow fish) and from what Ive read GSP are aggressive and will nip or eat other fish. Thats just one preference choice you may consider. I find my F8s to be very enjoyable to watch, they are very active (and even like to spend time together) and are very curious and amusing. They spend a lot of time exploring and acting very goofy, unlike some puffers Ive heard of that just lie around all day. They will also recognize their food dispenser/paraphernalia (I use a syringe for bloodworms) when its feeding time and will beg at the glass.

Well, that's a tough choice!
I had a figure 8 about 10 years ago, and was planning to get one this time, but the store only had GSP's. Each puffer can be so unique, it's hard to say. They are both awesome.
I'd go with a figure 8 personally though. I love the patterns on them, and you can keep some plants at low brackish, (I really like plants) and I believe they do a bit better with tank mates like bumble bee gobies.
Less chance of that pacing behavior too, since figure 8's are much smaller, that size tank is more appropriate.
I'm in the process of moving my GSP to a 55 gallon, from the 29 he's in now. Huge PITA. :/

F8 as you'll save on Marine Salt

Hahaha, I think this could end up as a heated debate! Thanks for the help guys but WHAT ONE IS BETTER TO WATCH. ?!!!

Duncan wrote:Hahaha, I think this could end up as a heated debate! Thanks for the help guys but WHAT ONE IS BETTER TO WATCH. ?!!!

lol honestly I think youll find they are both great! I may not have gotten a GSP before but I will someday, they seem just as active and interesting as the F8s. We personally chose the F8s because of coloration, but I still think the GSPs are adorable too, that bright green and cute polka-dot pattern.

Duncan wrote:Hahaha, I think this could end up as a heated debate! Thanks for the help guys but WHAT ONE IS BETTER TO WATCH. ?!!!

Their behavour is very simular to watch. I think watching 2 F8's interacting is much more fun

Arny wrote:

Duncan wrote:Hahaha, I think this could end up as a heated debate! Thanks for the help guys but WHAT ONE IS BETTER TO WATCH. ?!!!

Their behavour is very simular to watch. I think watching 2 F8's interacting is much more fun

I agree... my puffers play tag.

I vote for GSP'S. I've never had a F8, but I watch my GSP'S like some people watch TV, they are that entertaining. But, of course, the two F8's probably would be more entertaining since they can interact with eachother.

I agree--they are very personable but will eventually need a larger tank than 30g.

Figure 8 puffers it is! KEEN! Any practical advice when introducing these littles fellas?

Fully cycled tank (read the cycling info in our Library). find out what salinjity they keep them in the ship you have them picked out at. If they day brackish, test it with your own hydrometer. You can cycle at that SG or at FW (most shops keep them in FW anyway) & then raise the SG slightly, weekly.

library/puffers-in-focus/fig8/

look for videos on youtube. ranging from feeding to feeding to seeing if they have ones with basic activity