The Puffer Forum

Nice pics Julian!
Is that a watermelon pleco in there? Nice lookin fish whatever it is

he hasn't been online since July 23rd

The clearest two indicators were permanent defomation of the mbu's huge caudal fine from inadequate turning radius in the tank, and inability to hold nitrate titers at acceptable levels with 50% weekly partials. But equally obvious was the inadequate swimming space for so large a fish. The fish was solitary and was not stunted.

The water parameter issues were not obvious until the fish was young mature, over 18" and much larger-bodied than Fahakas - BTW, none of my mid- to large puffers was overweight, I don't think permanent pot bellies are good for them any more than for people, dogs, cats, or other fish. He did make full size.

HTH

there is someone MFK that claims to have to mbu's in the same tank

RTR wrote:The clearest two indicators were permanent defomation of the mbu's huge caudal fine from inadequate turning radius in the tank, and inability to hold nitrate titers at acceptable levels with 50% weekly partials. But equally obvious was the inadequate swimming space for so large a fish. The fish was solitary and was not stunted.

The water parameter issues were not obvious until the fish was young mature, over 18" and much larger-bodied than Fahakas - BTW, none of my mid- to large puffers was overweight, I don't think permanent pot bellies are good for them any more than for people, dogs, cats, or other fish. He did make full size.

HTH

what was full size? I have read of examples between 26" - 36" that in an aquarium is a large difference

I'm not sure about the "watermelon" name. I see a Royal pleco. I have one that's about 10 years old.

The T.mbu was over 25" without measuring the curled part of the caudal fin, so would have been over 26" TL.

I would consider anything close to two feet to be full size, but larger is always possible with a long life. Mine was only 12.

The couple got lots of tankmate, I think you need really big tank for them.