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Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 12:10 pm
by sgtmyers88
Can anyone with personal fish keeping experiences explain why the Orbiculate Pufferfish (Burrfish) http://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productD ... 351&cid=22 is considered more difficult to keep than the common Porcupine Pufferfish (Porky) http://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productD ... 353&cid=22 ? Do they have different temperaments?

It would seem that the Burrfish would be more ideal since it does not grow as large and has smaller tank requirements. IMO

Unless I missed it in the Pufferpedia I did not see much info on the former species.

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 12:33 pm
by bertie 83
I don't believe there is too much info about on this puffer, I think this is the reason it is harder to keep as we do not yet know what is ideal for it. I could be wrong tho. Prob another Corvus question.

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 12:39 pm
by Arny
Burrfish are hard to get to feed. They also suffer from IP alot of the time. If you're going to get one make sure you see it feed before you buy. They also don't adjust aswell to home aquariums aswell as porcys.

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:17 am
by sgtmyers88
Interesting. Has anyone here on this forum had any long term success keeping one of them?

Is there any scientific reason why they have those beautiful iridescent blue eyes? I noticed recently that my GSP's have them too but not with any of my other fish.

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 1:02 am
by FADE2BLACK_1973
I have owned both species once, many many years ago. I never had problems about my striped burrfish not eating. He had a great appitite and never nipped at any other fish in the tank. Now I cant say this for the rest you might see in a lfs now days. Btw, they remind me of a dogy chew toy..lol.

And for those blueish cloudy lookin eyes on these fish, they are nocturnal. Unlike most of their puffer relatives.

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 10:22 am
by Corvus
The care of C. orbicularis is very similar to D. holocanthus. The first species is a little more prone to internal parasites (e.g. nematodes). A eating and parasite free specimen is easy to keep in a tank of sufficient size. They are a little less active than D. holocanthus. Birdbeak burrfish is the most common common name in my experience.

The layer which makes blue eyes has several functions: it filters ultraviolet light and it improves contrast and makes it easier to see in changing light. Many fish do have this, but it's most obvious on puffers and diodontids due to their large eyes.

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 10:30 am
by hadla
Corvus wrote: The layer which makes blue eyes has several functions: it filters ultraviolet light and it improves contrast and makes it easier to see in changing light. Many fish do have this, but it's most obvious on puffers and diodontids due to their large eyes.
thanks for that info! i had wondered about the bluish tint on their eyes. interesting stuff.

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:55 am
by FADE2BLACK_1973
Corvus, I thought both species was nocturnal? Mainly hunting at night....

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 1:29 am
by Corvus
You often read that, but they are active throughout other times, too. In my impression mostly in the morning and evening, but you can also see them at night and during day.

Re: Orbiculate Pufferfish vs . Porcupine Pufferfish

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 9:41 am
by FADE2BLACK_1973
Corvus wrote:You often read that, but they are active throughout other times, too. In my impression mostly in the morning and evening, but you can also see them at night and during day.

Ty Corvus. See I have read that also, seen them on nature shows on tv, and even hear divers mention that they would see those at night alot but also during the day. Sounds like they got a touch of insomnia...lol.