Help ID my new "Red Eye Puffer" **Video**

[Lynsey]

This was sold to me as a Red Eye Puffer. I would like to know which species it is so I can provide the best care for it. It is in a 25 gallon freshwater aquaponics tank with crazy good filtration. I just want to make sure this one is fully freshwater. If it is one of the species I think it is, it is fully freshwater. This video was taken about 2hrs after being released into the tank. The guy at the store told me not to get him, since he was hanging out on the bottom and the green spots were swimming all over.....I think this is normal for this species. More of a lurker. He has been coming out and swimming a bit and has already eaten frozen bloodworms and krill after only 2hrs. What do you guys think? Its about 2.5-3" now. I was thinking Tetraodon Leiurus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp32N3a0cmE

[Pufferpunk]

Sorry, I see no video.

[Lynsey]

I am thinking now Monotrete turgidus?

[PufferGhoti]

Looks like a Turgidus

ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Freshwater/T_Turgidus/

[Master of Puffers]

I can see it too. Perhaps it doesn't play in the states.

[DMD123]

Looks like a Turgidus

ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Freshwater/T_Turgidus/

I agree

[Lynsey]

Thanks, That is what I was thinking too. So far he/she is about 3" long. Only had 2 days now. Eating like crazy. Im feeding krill, shrimp, and blood worms so far. I want to get him some clams and was gonna throw some live shrimp in there too. I have some baby trumpet snails in there (can't seem to ever get rid of them), and I was told the shells are too hard, however....I saw him eat one with no problem. Picked him right off the glass. I was still gonna get some pond snails. I have him in a 25 gallon aquaponics tank (by himself). It has the filtration of a little sponge, bio balls, and of course 13 planters. I also added a Eheim classic for 80gallon tanks on there too. So I would say this is way over filtered. Usually do weekly or biweekly water changes on this one. I am an experienced fish keeper, but new to puffers. I have a 250 gallon outdoor heated frontosa pond as well. Just not sure about the puffers, but I plan on spoiling this guy!!! I really wanted a freshwater puffer since it is aquaponics, most need too much salt for the plants to survive.

Right now, he just hides in the corner. I have plenty of hiding spots and caves, but he stays in the corner. Comes out to eat right away. I ordered a blue light so I can do some night watching of this little guy. I have the lights on a dimmer right now, so I hope he feels more comfortable in dimmer light. Any suggestions are welcome since I am very noob to puffers.

Also, I was wondering if I need to treat for internal parasites since he is new. No signs of a problem, just heard its safer to soak food in prazipro for a few weeks? Sometimes his belly looks lumpy, sometimes not so much.

[Pufferpunk]

Try earthworms, too. Walmart carries them.

[Lynsey]

Oh cool, I actually have my own earthworm farm. I can give him some of mine. At least they are fed well I give them to my Red Tail Giant Gourami and my Fire eel. I will see if he likes them. He is getting so much more personality after being in there a few days. I love him! So funny that when I started this hobby 15 years ago, I wondered why anyone would want an eel, giant gourami (so ugly) or any of the oddballs. Now they are my absolute favorite!! Can't believe I didn't realize that in the beginning.