Keeping two targets together

[Fish Food]

Hi,

I think I know the answer already, but I'll ask it anyways:

I know that generally target puffers should be kept separately, but has anyone ever kept two together for an extended period of time (and not in an extra large tank)? I know someone tried (I believe it was Woland with two abeis) but it ended violently. The reason I ask is that there are two "red spotted" puffers for sale that Crazedpuffer has nicely scouted out for me. They've been housed together for a few months in a 10 gallon which has now been reduced to 5 gallons (as far as I understand). One appears to be the dominant too. I'm very reluctant to put them both into my 20L gallon tank as fish in the stores can act quite differently to fish in the home aquarium, but I'd be lying to say that I'm not at all interested in both.

Thanks!

Tim

[groovitudedude]

I suppose it's possible, but Red Eyed puffers seem to have unpredictable personalities. I would not try it unless you plan on seperating them in the near future.

[Pufferpunk]

My LFS had 3 juvies in a 20H tank & they tore each other up so badly that none survived.

[Fish Food]

These are two 2-3 inch target puffers (possibly fangs or abeis) who have been together for months. I know that months doesn't necessarily equal "long term," but would keeping them in such close quarters somehow suppress violence? I know it'd be a big risk to house them both. It's a shame I can't get both in two tanks .

On a separate note, if I only decide on getting one, would you recommend the dominant or the non-dominant (can't think of the word now) one?

Thanks!

Tim

[groovitudedude]

Usually, larger spaces = more territory = less aggression (w/ the exception of cichlids)

[Fish Food]

Usually, larger spaces = more territory = less aggression (w/ the exception of cichlids)

That's what I was thinking, but I've seen very overcrowded dwarf puffer tanks in the fish store without much nipping, although I think that that's due to them being immature and also being stressed in a tank like that. In my own experience, dwarf puffers have had major personality changes in just short periods of time with changes in the environment.

Tim

[Pufferpunk]

that's due to them being immature and also being stressed in a tank like that

[groovitudedude]

It's like if you live in a hotel with a bunch of people, and then move into your own mansion. Then, you have to live with ANOTHER person in your mansion who also thinks it's theirs. What's gonna happen?

[Fish Food]

Yeah, I'd agree. Looks like it's safest to just go with one (for now ). Anyways, as far as choosing between the two, any pointers?

Tim

[groovitudedude]

Well, although I support rescues from reputable LFSs, I'd go with the healthier one, which, in this case, is probably the more aggressive one. Unless you wanna try tankmates, in which case, get the less aggressive one. What's the tank plan?

[Fish Food]

My tank is a 20 gallon long that is relatively densely planted. Hopefully I can find the right piece of driftwood soon to add. I currently have 2 AC 30s for it, so hopefully the filtration will be ok. I have RCS's and a few ghost shrimp in there right now (I'm ok with them becoming food, although I hope my RCS can reproduce/hide well enough to stay at a somewhat constant level). Oh yea, I have a few otos too. I feel like a bad person, but I think I may drop a few endlers in there too, fully aware of their potential fate. I was also considering perhaps some bottom feeder type fish, although I think I'll first see how the endlers do.

Tim

[groovitudedude]

Hmmmm.... The snails will get owned by the puffer anyway, so don't worry about the "bad person" thing

[Fish Food]

Hmmmm.... The snails will get owned by the puffer anyway, so don't worry about the "bad person" thing

endlers = http://www.aquaworldaquarium.com/Articl ... earer.html (the fish)

[Pufferpunk]

I definately wouldn't keep 2 puffers in that size tank.

[Fish Food]

Yea, I was pretty sure from the beginning that I was only going to get one, but I was more curious than anything else about the possibility of two.

edit: Also, after doing a little bit more research on the antics of endlers and other guppy type fish, I doubt I'd even put them in... they don't appear to "fear" larger fish.