Fig-8 behavior

The forum for puffers that either live or start in brackish biotopes: GSPs, F8s, Ceylons & more.
Post Reply
Hmskris
Puffer Fry
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2011 3:09 pm
Location (country): England

Fig-8 behavior

Post by Hmskris »

I would just like to describe a situation I now believe I have successfully dealt with in case it benefits anybody else.

I have 2 fig-8 puffers in a 160L tank, SG 1.005 - all parameters good. I have had them for 5-6 years.

Recently I moved house and re-setup the tank. I also added 3 mollies. The puffer's behaviour changed dramatically - only eating when not being watched, no longer playing "chase the finger" and darting away rapidly at the slightest movement towards the tank. This went on for a month. I checked the parameters, did water changes and even removed the mollies. The puffers still had beige bellies and were timid, sometimes resting on the bottom and doing nothing.

I, by chance, think I discovered and solved the problem. When I set up the tank my wife said she actually preferred it with no backing on the back. Instead just the plain white wall behind. I have just put the old plain dark blue background on the back and noticed a 100% improvement in a matter of minutes!

It was as if I waved a magic wand. My puffers are back to normal.

Hope that helps somebody who may be experiencing similar.

:D
RTR
Mentor
Posts: 6155
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 4:39 pm
Gender: Male
Location (country): East Coast, USA

Re: Fig-8 behavior

Post by RTR »

The move itself can make fish lose their sense of home and security. Backing and even end coverings can have a strong influence of the "security" level of the fish. I have no problem at all with your finding on the fish's change in behavior - I wish more folks were as observant and aware as you you have been.

Good observation and solution to the problem! Thanks for sharing.
Where's the fish? - Neptune
User avatar
Pufferpunk
Queen Admin
Posts: 32979
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:06 am
Gender: Female
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
Location (country): USA, Greenville, SC
Location: Greenville, SC
Contact:

Re: Fig-8 behavior

Post by Pufferpunk »

Yes, a lot of the folks here recommend backgrounds for the tank.
You are getting sleepy... you only hear the sound of my voice... you must do water changes... water changes... water changes... water changes...

"The solution to pollution is dilution!"
Post Reply