Porky Puffer Mating Habits

Jasandjules · Post by **Jasandjules** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 12:29 pm

All,

Have two porkies in the tank. Two nights ago they started acting strangely...

The larger one would sit in the middle of the tank whilst the smaller one would "bite" with an open mouth, and push her around the tank. If backed into a corner the larger one would simply swim across to the middle of the tank, and the process would start again. The smaller one is open mouthed and touching the larger one all over her underbelly and mouth, steering clear of the eyes and fins.... And also pushing the larger one at the same time. The larger one sits open mouthed and does not react aggressively at all.

So my question is, does anyone know the mating habits of porky puffers? The smaller one has grown significantly since being in the tank and I am hoping it has now reached maturity......

Any ideas people?

Post by **RTR** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 6:13 pm

I only have one account in my library (which is not at all up-to-date on marines), and it is rather old:

Reef Fish: Behavior and Ecology on the Reef and in the Aquarium, by Ronald E. Thresher, 1980, Palmetto Publishing, St Petersberg. ISBN 0-915096-09-9

On p.129-130, a public aquarium spawning is described.

Good luck on finding it...

Jager · Post by **Jager** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 1:07 am

hmm idk, never had great luck with porcs doing well in tanks together. if yours do spawn get pictures as it is very rare for the diodon species to be even heard of spawning.

also you may want to ready another tank as once the two do spawn(if they do) the female and male will try to seperate and stay apart. this may lead to massive fighting and death even if they cannot get their own territory and NOT see each other.

Jasandjules · Post by **Jasandjules** » Thu Nov 24, 2005 7:26 am

I am aiming to try and get hold of a Digi Cam and film it !! Both the possible "mating" and the spawning if it happens....

They also only seem to behave that way after eating...

Jasandjules · Post by **Jasandjules** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 6:22 pm

Ok, what is possibly them attempting to mate has now been uploaded, a 30second clip, but I am afraid it is 18mb..

It is at

http://www.angliareefclub.org.uk
Then Galleries
Then Vids....

I would appreciate it if some could confirm they think this is mating...At the moment, the larger "female" is attacking the male now and again, but he doesn't take the hint, and is still attempting what he is doing in the video, just a little more subdued.

I am not doing too well finding that book either !!

Cheers

Jas

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » Wed Dec 14, 2005 7:58 pm

how big is the tank?

Jasandjules · Post by **Jasandjules** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:03 am

Currently the tank is 6*2*2 but we are getting an 8*3*2.5 (on order) for them.

Phaedrus · Post by **Phaedrus** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 6:23 am

That's an awesome video. I love porcupine puffers.

Unfortunately, I'm not marine biologist, and I have no idea what their mating behaviours are.

But from a lay perspective... I think he likes her :p

Jasandjules · Post by **Jasandjules** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 10:42 am

Yes, they are sweet little fish indeed, and they follow us round the tank and beg for food too.. Sometimes the larger one spits at me too !!

Yes, I think she seems to like it as well......

Rocker · Post by **Rocker** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 10:49 am

Jasandjules wrote:Ok, what is possibly them attempting to mate has now been uploaded, a 30second clip, but I am afraid it is 18mb..

It is at

http://www.angliareefclub.org.uk
Then Galleries
Then Vids....

I would appreciate it if some could confirm they think this is mating...At the moment, the larger "female" is attacking the male now and again, but he doesn't take the hint, and is still attempting what he is doing in the video, just a little more subdued.

I am not doing too well finding that book either !!

Cheers

Jas

The video doesn't seem to be working!

Rocker · Post by **Rocker** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 10:50 am

It is now!

Arothron Junkie · Post by **Arothron Junkie** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 1:37 am

Hate to disappoint/piss in anyone's cornflakes but showed the video and thread to the girlfriend (9+ years in the trade, longer as a passion/hobby).

She identified it as mature puffer territorial behavior. Sort of like rams doing their head butting thing. Non lethal (at least for now) but still dangerous. For now they are just doing a territory/dominance thing. It could turn harsh at any time. That is her opinion and I've found it to almost always be right on fish matters.

Hope this helps...

Jager · Post by **Jager** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 1:49 am

cant call up the vid but when i can will weigh in.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 3:01 am

Poor puff's getting bullied then? Good thing there's no biting... yet. Time to separate? :19:

Jasandjules · Post by **Jasandjules** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 11:24 am

Hi,

No I don't think it is bullying at all..... They both seem to be enjoying it. When the "female" has had enough she soon attacks the male and he runs and hides for a while, then comes back and tries again !!

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Porky Puffer Mating Habits

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