Tetraodon erythrotaenia, Red-striped Toadfish

[darb]

I bought a "used" RST a few days ago (actuallly two, but) off someone who had them in fresh water, brought them home and let it settle for a couple of days.

I just dripped in 1 gallon of full SW (in a 29 gallon tank) to start things off and WOW, a difference of night and day.

Before it only ever really moved when it thought it was going to get fed, now it is playing in the HOB water stream and following the SAPs in the tank across from it, which I blocked right away because I definitely don't need any more neurotic puffers.

I actually bought two RSTs, but one did not last through the night. The tank was not cycled, but the HOB was fully cycled and ammonia levels couldn't have climbed over a period 8 hours and the behaviour and colour on the other seemed fine. My only theories are that either the move was too stressful, he was smaller compared to the other and could have been sick or just weaker or possibly the other fish took the opportunity of a new environment to claim it fully for itself.

I found it first thing in the morning and had to do a quick ceremonial flush without any observation.

The RST is listed as low brackish, that would be in the 1.05 range then?

[busybones]

I'd say low end would be around 1.005-1.010

[bauk]

I think lower.. 1.004 was for mine Samurai the best saltinity.

[busybones]

Ok...I should have done a bit of research before answering before...The Tetraodon erythrotaenia as stated in the Pedia says they need very low end brackish..It doesn't give an exact SG but from what I can find out a range between 1.002-1.005 is preferred...I've not owned these but PuffperPugGirl has and I'll ask her what SG she keeps hers at and get back to you..

Most BW fish can stand slight changes in the SG since BW isn't exactly a stable SG in the wild...

[bauk]

I've tried a few... and when it's higher than 1.007 the samurai doesn't look anymore a samurai!

The little friends are in my eyes very sensitive and the also love the temp a bit higher than normal. I kept it in 27degrees (?)

And you got 2? Aaaaah, when i could find an other one here in the Netherlands i buy it with no thinking, they are so cute and so full of personality!

[darb]

yes, they are a great little puffer, definitely two thumbs up for this guy!

[Pufferpunk]

I've not owned these but PuffperPugGirl has and I'll ask her what SG she keeps hers at and get back to you.

I don't think she uses a hydrometer.

[darb]

arrrg, just figured out what probably happened to the other RST.

Just saw my F8 get sucked up against the HOB intake, luckily I was here to rescue him.

Gotta fix all of my intakes now. Is there anything on the market?

[Pufferpunk]

If you have a filter intake screen over your intakes, a healthy fish shouldn't get stuck to it.

[darb]

They are the standard aquaclear (70) intake tubes with plastic grating. I went out and bought sponge covers for them.

You would think that a normal healthy fish wouldn't get caught. My F8 has only been with me about a week but seems perfectly normal: colour, behaviour, appetite, etc.

[Pufferpunk]

Plastic grating should be sufficient. Sponges get clogged quickly & will slow down your filter.