Wanted to add gsp with my dragon gobies

[VaNNaK z32*]

Hi,
I was just wondering if I could add some green spotted puffers with my dragon gobies. I currently have 3 dragon gobies (about 7-8 inches each) in my 55 gallon tank. And I wanted to buy some gsp, they're about an inch each when I saw them. I was wondering if I could put them together (gsp+dragons) and how many gsp can I put if I could? Also would the gsp bite on the dragon gobies fins?

Thanks!

[Dadof4]

Well, you can add them together but I highly recommend against it. GSP's are aggressive brackish water fish that usually don't play well with tanks mates. I have tried this and can speak from experience, the dragon gobies long dorsal fin is too tempting for GSP's to resist, my one GSP totally destroyed a mid size dragon goby (about 6-8) inches long in a 55 gallon tank in one night. Also, with 3 dragon gobies in a 55 gallon, adding a single GSP would make the tank over stocked. I keep 3 DG's in a 75 gallon and that is pushing the limit. They will grow up to 18-20 inches (I have one nearing this length) as adults and they do become territorial, especially between males. Now, I've heard F8's can be kept with them fairly peacefully.

[VaNNaK z32*]

Ok thanks.. I'll probably look for f8s then. How many could I put in?

[Jivenjune]

Ok thanks.. I'll probably look for f8s then. How many could I put in?

F8s are a bit smaller and are also known to be slightly less aggressive. You may still see some fin nipping especially since the dragon goby will probably look like a giant worm with delicious fin-like morsels attached to it. If you wanted to chance it, I'd go with an F8 over a GSP. In addition, the F8s brackish requirements are somewhere between 1.005-1.006? I think you can find more accurate info on them in the encyclopedia this site has.

[Dadof4]

On other thing to keep in mind too is the SG requirements. The F8 likes low brackish water and the DG is found all the way in to marine conditions.

[Pufferpunk]

I have 2 F8s with my DG & they all get along fine. I wonder if my DG hasn't grown much, since he's in a low SG?

[Dadof4]

PP, that is a very good possibility. Mine really didn't start to put on any size until they got in to the 1.012 area and then they took off. I also think that they are as sensitive to the hormones they naturally give off as puffers are. I think they may stunt just as easily.