The Puffer Forum

I recently became aware that I have a chance to purchase a black df for relatively cheap. My ownly problem is that I already have a regular df who I really like and would never get rid of. So my question, are these two df different enough to live peacefully? My dogface is a really passive puffer and has never had a problem with another fish. I'm not sure what to do because I know black df dont come around everyday.

I'm not a marine expert I'm afraid but I would think after swatting up in the puffer pedia that they would actually not appreciate being in the same tank. It says that though not aggressive by nature that they should not be kept with conspecifics which is exaclty what these are. You have to consider the territory needs and huge waste production that too fully grown fish like that would produce, I would think for just the 2 fish and nothing else you would be looking at 200G at least so if you have other fish then they would have to be factored into the mix thus giving you a potentially huge tank to be running. Size and space aside though, the fact that either one could do serious damage to the other would be enough for me to leave the other puffer at the store.

General rule of thumb, 1 smooth and 1 spikey puffer per tank.
I would not do it, I have heard some horror stories of people trying to keep 2 dogfaces (no matter the color) together.

No expert with DF's but i would go with the other peoples advice.

Think of in terms of the genus species. No two of the same genus in the same tank.

I can I somewhat disagree - I have several of the same genus in a 180 - yes soon to upgrade to (4) 280s...All of them (listed under my avatar) really seem to enjoy each others company. I have often found the A. Stellatus and A. Hispidus literally side by side throughout the night. Occasionally my wonderful Mappa (only 3-4" as of now at least) will often nudge the large (10") hispidus and they will swim side by side....I don't by any means claim to be 100% correct...after many years of keeping almost every SW puffer, I have found that they really do each have their very own personalities. I know everyone generally agrees that puffers are very personable, however I have observed and recorded very specific behaviors with many of my puffers - some of the same species and completely different actions....So I can't say for certain - I can say that should you decide to try it out - be sure to have another large tank setup and cycled so should you need to move the new arrival, you will always have the animals best interest at heart.

Interesting post there schlecht13, I think its best as you say to only do it if you have room to house them in seperate tanks should it all go wrong

Agreed. It couldwork out but best just to keep them separated unless you like Multiple Tank Syndrome. lol I know I do.