The Puffer Forum

Hey guys I haven't been on the forum in a while trying to finish up the degree, but I had a quick question regarding my Marine GSP, he's currently in a 29g artificial reef tank with a powerhead and loves it. He also has 3 blue/green chromis in there and has been friends with them forever, I know they are typically very aggressive and don't like others, but my little guy about 2'' and the chromis about 1.5-2'' and they've always got along fine, I just wanted the forums opinion on what else I could add as he will be moving to a 55gallon in the next two months? I also have a buddy with a 5'' gsp in a 75g full marine reef tank and the only thing his chased and killed has been blenny's and goby's but lives fine with all others.. Any inputs welcome, Thanks!

That's kind of a tricky question. GSP's may or may not get along fine with other fish depending on their temperament, but even still they reserve the right to get up and kill another fish simply because they were having a bad day. Another puffer is out of the question, you'd more than likely need something aggressive, but not so much that it would try to kill the GSP.

Ya I understand that they can be very aggressive. What kind of aggressive fish are you thinking of? Are clownfish pretty compatible because we breed them in the lab I work in, so I could get free regular/black/snowflake ocellaris or perculas if clowns work... But I guess being around them so much in the lab makes me want something different...

My GSPs killed the more common perculas but did very well with a larger tomato clown. A maroon clown tore their tail's down to nubs.

In a 29g you will be pushing it, if you set up a much larger tank and transfer the gsp in last you might be lucky, you might not tho. Let us know what you decide

The tank is overcrowded as is. +1 to bertie's comments on upgrading.

Well the goal is to upgrade and I'll keep you guys updated, my current residence restricts tanks to 15g and I got them to swing a 29g so I'm not complaining, but back to my original question which is simply when I do upgrade... what kinds of fish could I add? and hopefully get input from those that have mixed and matched successfully is all.

I would upgrade ASAP. You can try adding anything not too big and very fast, whatever you choose add it to the upgraded tank first and hope for the best. There are no guarantees with puffers tho as they are so smart.

Getting more fish is a great excuse to get a bigger tank with a larger tank it gives the puffer more room and will help decrease the chance that he will attack his tank mates. Agree with above on the fast fish, you may be able to use damsels but be prepared to lose fish. I'm actually going to try a tomato clown in my 55g with my gsp this summer.

While on the topic, is there any SW tangs or gobies that would fare well?

Gobies are skittish at best and would likely feel terrorised by the attention a puffer would want to give them.

Gobies sit still a lot. prime pickings for pufferteeth.
Tangs require 90g minimum. Most grow quite large.

Basically try anything semi aggressive and fast, past that it's up to tank size, personality, and also sight line breakage.

Thank you all for the suggestions and input, I'll continue to keep everyone updated with what size tank I upgrade to and possible companions! Thanks again!

Once in a marine environment you could add some hermit crabs, be sure to put many empty shells in to confuse the puffer, and expect the puffer to get them one day so buy cheap ones lol.