I stood there watching them for a very long time, but was trying to think realistically as I stood there. First thing that came to mind was Carmen and her experience with the Fugu. I also could only provide the puffer with a brackish tank and thought that probably would not be good enough.
After reading through this post, I have to say I felt that my visit to this LFS was very much like the OP's. The shop owner didn't know anything about this puffer, other than him saying it was "rare" and that's how he was pushing it to people as well. He knows I'm a puffer keeper and I think he thought I was going to buy one, and trust me, I was VERY tempted.
In the end I left with 2 Figure-8 puffers instead of the Fugu. I felt very sorry for those poor puffers because they are not in brackish water, and will be sold to people as a freshwater puffer and really don't have a chance. It's a shame when you see a tank full of puffers and know they aren't going to live long. Their bellies looked like they had marbles in them, I think a sign of internal parasites ... so another thing going against them.
As I mentioned before, I have tried to give this shop owner education about puffers in the past, specifically in regards to keeping brackish puffers in brackish water. It's done no good. It's not practical for him to set up a brackish tank, so he won't do it.
Looking back on it, I know I did the right thing by not buying a Fugu. Shame though, they are beautiful puffers .... but I know I cannot provide what they need so it's best that I not bring one home.
