Tell me about those Fahakas

[Mother Yoda]

Although I didn't origanaly want a Fahaka Puffer after I saw one at the local LFS I have shifted my mind. So with conditions going right I am able to get a tank large enough to handle one of these fish. So I need to ask a couple things first. Is there way that these fishes could be kept with some/all/none of these fishes. Ocars, Stingray and a bicher were the ones I had in mind. The second thing is that I am having trouble with my layout plans. I am rather uncreative when it comes to creating a overall look for a tank. If the Puffer cannot be infact be housed with other fish then could somebody show me a tank that models best an African Biome/Theme? What types of plants could be put in? (that would preferably be African in nature) What type of substrate could be used? Would the stuff in the link below work? http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 10741+9805 Could somebody post a picture of a Fahaka tank to give me inspirations on how to lay it out?

[Hilly]

Bichir's, Stingrays and Oscars could all be easy targets as they're not exactly fast moving. One Fahaka may tolerate them another may not. It's all depends on whether you want to risk the other fish.

Decor wise Rockwork, wood, plants, personal preference really. Fahaka might rip up the plants or leave em alone, all depends on the individual

Sand or gravel substrate, either will be fine.

Welcome to the site

[Fella]

I'f you're going to consider a fahaka, then be prepared to have a tank dedicated to it. Not everyone is able to keep tankmates with them.

I keep mine in a 5x2x2, and even as a juvenile I would have wanted a tank that size for him. They don't stay small for long.

[Pufferpunk]

Here is mine in his 125g:




I have the pink/fucia/maroon gravel, because I was hoping he would get thoose stunning maroon stripes I've seen on some fahakas. Now he just lives with stupid-colored gravel. Too lazy to change it out.

[spoot]

LOL, so that's the reason why you have that gravel! Always wondered about that.

[crazedpuffer]

Well its certainly interesting and makes the tank stand out.

[Pufferpunk]

Please, it's hideous!

[DarkEntity]

such a nice tank and fish, then you look at the gravel and think " what in gods name was she on when that gravel was put in the tank"

[Mother Yoda]

I wonder if putting a mirror in the fish tank will cause the puffer to be distracted from other tankmates. Has anyone tried this?

[Hilly]

I'd be more worried about the mirror being knocked over, cracking causing a right mess the dish damaging itself on the edges or it just sitting there attacking its own reflection all day exhausting itself. Not exactly a natural behaviour.

[Ariadne]

The growing fahaka I have was in a 150 by himself with exception of one little male endler he has let survive. I have recieved a dozen misc fry in bags of crayfish and ghost shrimp since my puffer was around an inch and half long. The one he has allowed to live was the first one, all others have perished. And then I got to thinking too much and thought maybe because my tank is not set up safe for fry that they could have gotten murdered in the filters intakes.
I thought if he likes that little fish so much, they hang out together all the time, maybe my fahaka is "nice" and I could be lucky and have at least some little fast moving ornamental fish... the tank was planted and everything, lots of rocks and driftwood plenty of aquascape, this could really work I thought. Thinking about it now, I was in such lame denial of what I knew was reality.
I went out and bought several varieties of tester small fast moving fish to try out my theory and see. The pet sore lady threw in a pleco for free and said she thought I sounded reasonable (bless her heart). I am humbled to say I now have a 150 gallon tank with one fahaka, his same endler pet, and one cherry barb. I am sure the barbs days are numbered, but he is too fast for me to catch him, god knows I have tried while pleading with him to swim into the net and live a long life.
I cant really complain all that much, I have a fahaka that lets me have lots of plants and is so sweet and friendly and happy to see me anytime. He loves to show off for company and every time someone comes over there are exclamations and oohs and ahhs echoing through the house.
I am not even sure why now I thought my tank needed other fish, he is such a ham they never would have gotten looked at anyway. As good natured as he is though, he is a violent coldhearted hunter. But they say to love someone you have to love all the things about them, and the more I get to know him, the more I do.

[manutius]

I tried a mirro with Cloone and he payed no attention to it what so ever

[Fella]

I wonder if putting a mirror in the fish tank will cause the puffer to be distracted from other tankmates. Has anyone tried this?

I can say without doubt my fahaka would destroy a mirror if it were put in the tank with him. I worry about the tank glass sometimes when he catches his reflection in that.