feeding gsp

[Smomus]

I've had my little gsp for less then a week. I've fed him a variety including snails, brine shrimp and blood worms. I know most people will gut load their puffers food, but I haven't gotten to this level yet. I fasted him yesterday, as I do my other fish. Today I feed them shelled green peas. Should I feed him the peas too? What i've read indicates that most likely he won't eat them, but I'd like to try. This isn't harmful to the little guy is it? He is still only about an inch.

[bertie 83]

My fahaka loves peas, give it a whirl as its good to get veggies in them

[Smomus]

My fahaka loves peas, give it a whirl as its good to get veggies in them

Yea I did. After a few hours I had to fish it out and dropped in a snail for him instead. Interesting little bite marks on it though!

[bertie 83]

Defrost the peas in with his meaty foods he should take them

[Smomus]

Defrost the peas in with his meaty foods he should take them

Good idea. I will try that!
My next question: my little guy is still only about an inch, maybe a little less. When I drop snails in for him he only eats the meaty part. The shells are left behind. I have been leaving the shells in the tank. they mix in with the sand usually. It doesn't seem to be affecting my parameters. I read somewhere that hard water will break them down (my ph is about 8.3). Can anyone give me a reason I should be removing the shells?

[Terrance]

Hey Smonus,
I'm not sure if this was a question on the other forum, but I think its a good idea to take out the shells if you feel like there are still leftover snail meat inside the shell. Some puffs pull out the snail completely, while others only bite off the head and leave the rest.

[DGabbs]

I believe that in order for a puffer to eat the whole snail, shell included it it needs to be smallers than the puffers eye.

[DGabbs]

Thanks for the double post iphone*

[Smomus]

Thanks for your reply. Typically the snails are about the size of his eye. Sometimes I do fed him a nice fat one! He does get all the meat out so the shells are empty. There is this lower place in the sand that has 5 or 6 shells together. It's green goblins bone yard! Haha