So I can't stand it any longer and I'm going to get one of the brackish puffers I've been jonesing for. I have a 29 gallon tank (fully cycled) available. I can't decide between 2 Figure Eights or 1 GSP. I find them both almost equally adorable.
Can folks who have had these types clue me in to the "drawbacks" (if any) of either type? I'm aware that a GSP will require increasing salinity as it ages, but aside from that, are the two types different in terms of day-to-day care?
I've heard several people say they've been bitten by their GSPs. Do F8s bite much? I'm a little leery of keeping a fish that could make me bleed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjuHixFYbhM&fmt=18 <- Video of my GSP biting me. Yes. They do bite. And quite hard even when they are small. I am missing skin on the finger where he bit. They cant only make you bleed. But they can rip off a nice layer of skin too. That bite didnt look like it hurt and it looked like he only nipped. But tell that to the skin missing off my finger GSPS get incredibly large. Bare minimum for one is a 30g or so. But they can easily outgrow that, A 29 may suffice but I would advise against it. My figure 8 has never bit me. But my GSP does every time I do a Water Change. So in my recommendation. Get the figure 8s. Good luck!
Oh. Also forgot to mention that an adult GSP can easily take a full finger off a human. So. Very cautious is a requirement
Last edited by Aquarist on Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Of all the puffers I have, I've NEVER been bitten by my GSP's .... any of them, and I've got 3 that are quite large. I don't have much luck keeping F8's. I can't seem to keep on alive to save my life .... so I cannot give you any advice on those. GSP's on the other hand are lovely little puffers. Just thought I'd put my 2 cents in there.
I absolutely love GSPs, as well, and I haven't been bitten either aside from fingernails. I've never tried F8s, but I would if I had space for another tank lol. I have an extra 29 gallon, but no more space to put it. Oh well, maybe some day.
If I were you, I'd go with 2 F8s since 29G is under the limit for 1 GSP. F8s must be in low-end BW(1.005) for life and GSP must have high-end BW to full SW as adult (so you'll have to spend more money in marine salt).
My Puffers: Puffers I have kept: T lineatus T miurus A modestus T biocellatus C valentini C coranata C papuan C lorteti DPs suvattii burrfish T niphobles
I agree with all above. 29g is just too small to keep a GSP happy. I kept 2 F8s in my 29g & you could even add a pair of knight gobies or chromides in there.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...
I enjoy my GSPs more than the F8, but I'm sure I just need to give the F8 some time. My GSPs just seem to have more personality and be more lively. The F8 is a little scared of me, the GSPs aren't.
ONE time my GSP bit my boyfriend and it made him scream real loud lol. So yes they CAN bite, but this happened only once, and I'm sure he was bugging my fish to begin with.
I wouldn't pick based on which one bites.
I'm all for GSPs But I felt mean having my GSP in a 29g, and had to upgrade.
I have to admit my prejudices - F-8s are my second favorite puffer (T. mbu is number one). but if it is a singleton tank, one GSP alone will be a more interesting pet. But I would not keep one in less than a 40-long or 50gallon tank. I would take the GSP to full SW for easier and better water quality with skimming. live rock, plenum or DSB in a sump, and likely a 24/7 lighted refugium. I am also addicted to over-filtered (used here in the broadest sense) tanks - in case you did not notice that.
i dont agree with the GSP will bite theory, yeah if you put your fingers in the tank(what fish wont nibble at your finger?), but if he knows that your finger isnt there for food he will let you "pet" him like mine does. i dont have a video of it yet but i will get one, he swims excited-ly by my finger and will rub his back on my finger. GSP's get my vote all the way but only if you could squeeze a little bit bigger of a tank to get him in. i also dont think a GSP will take your finger off, maybe a nice chunk, but like i said over time it will learn your finger/hand isnt food so its not something i would worry about in the least. my F8's have showed interest in my finger as well, so its not just the GSP. just some food for thought. you also have to ask yourself if cost will be an issue in the longrun. water changes with saltwater are a little less frequent and you dont use salt when you top off your tank because the salt doesnt evaporate just the water does. and you will be paying for more salt doing more water changes with brackish water. basically it depends on what you prefer fish wise, tank wise, cost wise. saltwater is going to be more expensive to set up than fresh or brackish but the rewards are higher and a little less maintenance. plus if you got a bigger tank than recommended for the GSP(say 75 for example) you have more of a selection of possible tank mates than a low end brackish that you would have for the F8
GSPS get incredibly large. Bare minimum for one is a 30g or so. But they can easily outgrow that, A 29 may suffice but I would advise against it. My figure 8 has never bit me. But my GSP does every time I do a Water Change. So in my recommendation. Get the figure 8s. Good luck!
I've never tried F8s, but I would if I had space for another tank lol. I have an extra 29 gallon, but no more space to put it. Oh well, maybe some day. 
