Need info (Red Tail Puffer)

[Sentinel138]

Hi, I'm a new member here. I was wondering if anybody can answer if a Red Tail Puffer, could be kept with a Tire Track Eel with no problems. It's not a Moray Eel, and Highly doubt it would eat it. The thing is I'm looking for a intelligent fish that will live with my Eel for a long time, because he has a long life span. Tire Track Eels can grow up to 3 Feet, and get as round as Orange, there life span can be over 10 years, and they're like puffers in the way that they're intelligent and can have personality. They're very fast, but I was just wondering if it's possible? I'd be keeping it with some other fresh-water fish in a 75 Gallon Tank. Right now the Tire Track Eel is young so it could still grow accustom to the puffer. I hand feed my Eel, and pet it every day. It already recognizes who I am, and comes out when I'm around. I worry the other fish would be nipped but I'm willing to take the chance, the only thing I won't allow to be nipped is the Eel. Please Respond I'd like to know before X-Mas, so I can wish for one. That is... if it's possible.

[Sentinel138]

Here is my short version. Could a Red Tail Puffer live with a Tire Track Eel. It's not a Moray, but do you think it could work?

[side19]

Here is my short version. Could a Red Tail Puffer live with a Tire Track Eel. It's not a Moray, but do you think it could work?

i might work. i'd just think about maybe a larger species of puffer, like SAPs. from what i have seen of freshwater eels they're pretty docile and keep to themselves, but i've never seen one get that big so i don't know what they're like once they do. again just to be on the safe side i would go with a larger species, like a small group of SAPs (should get them in a group as they like to school)

[Sentinel138]

Here is my short version. Could a Red Tail Puffer live with a Tire Track Eel. It's not a Moray, but do you think it could work?

it might work. i'd just think about maybe a larger species of puffer, like SAPs. from what i have seen of freshwater eels they're pretty docile and keep to themselves, but i've never seen one get that big so i don't know what they're like once they do. again just to be on the safe side i would go with a larger species, like a small group of SAPs (should get them in a group as they like to school)

He's not that big right now. He's only 3-4 Inches. Thank you for the info though. I'm sorry but what does SAPs stand for and how big do they get?

[diverchic]

SAP - South American Puffer...

You an read about many different kinds of puffers and their requirements, general temperments, etc in the Learn, Pufferpedia... I'd say starting there would be a good point while waiting for more responses.

Also, the users on this forum are based all around the world so don't get discouraged if you don't hear back straight away, it can take a while for everyone to wake up and sign on for their morning pufferfix depending on their time zone.

[Sentinel138]

SAP - South American Puffer...

You an read about many different kinds of puffers and their requirements, general temperments, etc in the Learn, Pufferpedia... I'd say starting there would be a good point while waiting for more responses.

Also, the users on this forum are based all around the world so don't get discouraged if you don't hear back straight away, it can take a while for everyone to wake up and sign on for their morning pufferfix depending on their time zone.

Thank you for the info, I will look up SAPS but my question is... Don't SAPS get about the same size as Red Tailed Puffers. I have researched many Puffers but I thought SAPS wouldn't work so I never researched them. Now, I don't know. Also, could you possible explain why they might be better than a Red Tailed Puffer?

[Sentinel138]

SAPS Would work actually. I looked them up on YouTube as well as the PufferPedia. It turns out there's a video of SAPS living with Peacock Eels, a Spiny Eel. In other words a close relative to the Tire Track Eel. My question is don't you have trim their teeth a lot. Also what's the big difference, I mean they're about the same size. (Red Tailed Puffers vs. South American Puffers)

[Sentinel138]

Change that they're personality is very different. Thanks guys for the help, I think by next week I'll have some new friends for my Eel. If anybody has anymore comments please post, because I'm open to all opinions.

[side19]

i thought SAPs got to about 5 inches where red tails only got to 2 or 3. maybe i'm wrong and need to look it up again. and yes, SAPs do seem to need more dental work than other puffers, which might be a turn off. there's a great article in the library about performing dentistry on puffers, and which sedative to use to knock them out while doing the work. if you do go with the SAPs, make sure you get a group of three or more as they are schooling fish and will feel much safer and be more active.

[Sentinel138]

i thought SAPs got to about 5 inches where red tails only got to 2 or 3. maybe i'm wrong and need to look it up again. and yes, SAPs do seem to need more dental work than other puffers, which might be a turn off. there's a great article in the library about performing dentistry on puffers, and which sedative to use to knock them out while doing the work. if you do go with the SAPs, make sure you get a group of three or more as they are schooling fish and will feel much safer and be more active.

I have just researched it, and they only grow to 3 Inches. I'm fully aware of the dental work. I've been pming a bunch of people, and I found out that Red Tailed Puffers would live with the Eel, now I'm trying to find out if I can put SAPS, and Red Tailed Puffers. Like 3 SAPS and 2 Red Tailed Puffers. You see, now I'm interested in SAPS, and I think I can work this, because if it doesn't work I have a 20 Gallon back up tank for either puffers. What Do you think?

[Pufferpunk]

I would definitely not mix puffer species. How large is this tank? I'm assuming if it's large enough to house an adult eel, you should be able to add a group of SAPs in there. The problem with Redtails is proper ID. If you can find irrebuscos, it may work but lortetis are very similar & really mean.

[Sentinel138]

I would definitely not mix puffer species. How large is this tank? I'm assuming if it's large enough to house an adult eel, you should be able to add a group of SAPs in there. The problem with Redtails is proper ID. If you can find irrebuscos, it may work but lortetis are very similar & really mean.

The tank is bare minimum for the Eel, 75 Gallons . BTW Yes, I've heard of the similarity, but I've decided I'm going to go for Red Tailed Puffers, and not mix . I was talking to another person on the forum, who has had Red Tailed Puffers, and she said it should work with the Eel . But SAPS, and RTPS will not work. My question is this how can you tell the difference? Also, what fish would you suggest to go along with he puffer? The Eel will deal with any species as long as it's not too aggressive.

[Pufferpunk]

There are several puffer species with red tails. Do you have the real (scientific) name of this fish? Check our Pufferpedia.

Why do you think SAPs won't work?

[Sentinel138]

There are several puffer species with red tails. Do you have the real (scientific) name of this fish? Check our Pufferpedia.

Why do you think SAPs won't work?

This is the scientific name Carinotetraodon irrubesco.

And by saying SAPs won't work I'm saying they won't work with Red Tailed Puffers.

[Pufferpunk]

Yes, they won't work together. I think your eel is safer with SAPs but beware--ANY puffer can turn into a nipper.