My T. turgidus won´t breed

[squarepants]

Hi I´m new in the field of puffers. I´m doing my PhD with puffers. I will describe the development of the hole skull. But ... there is a small problem: My puffers won´t breed. I have a 700 l aquarium with sand, stones, roots and plants. The temperature is around 24 C. I tried it with changing the temperature, the pH, with demineralized water to simulate rainfalls... Everybody tells me that it is so easy to breed these puffers. The 6 guys looks good and healthy but... they won´t breed. It would be very helpful if anyone has a idea.

[RTR]

Age? Size? Any signs of egg development/ deffiereces in behavior male/female?

[squarepants]

the size of the puffers is around 8 to 10 cm. I don´t know the age but I know that meanwhile puffers from the same catch layed eggs. Sometimes 2 of them uses one corner of the aquarium while the other 4 are in one of the other corner. I can´t see differences in male/female behavior. The fishes are in a room with no sunlight or direct sunlight. I feed the puffers with worms, dead and alive fish and worms. The guys looks very healthy, I have no idea why they uses only two corners of the aquarium. Should I separate the two puffers. Is it possible that there are to many males?

[RTR]

They are not grown, but could well be at or post-puberty. If you see no active courtship activity, I would just conitue keeping up the food and watching for behavioral changes or for fatter appearance followed by sudden loss.

Are you doing substantial water changes? Watch more closely after changes.

Do they have a regular light/cycle by timer? If not I would consider getting a timer also.

[squarepants]

I´m sorry for the late answer but I was ill. Thanx for your advices. I will try to observe the 6 guys. I will ask you again when the puffers are lazy or won´t have fun.