The Puffer Forum

Well im converting my 55gallon aquarium to brackish. Im aquring a F-8 from someone who doesn't want it anymore. I was wondering what i could put in with the F-8 for tank mates since it is a big tank for one F-8 . Ive done the whole reading books, internet sites, other forums. The reason i am posting is i would like opinions from people who have actually kept F-8's as pets, and have had tank mates with them. Both succesfuly, and un-succesfuly. The F-8 i am getting is approx 2-3" so basically full grown from what ive read and been told. Any input, opinions, info would be welcomed greatly.

Thanks in advance.

Puffers have individual personalities, so what may work for one person might end in disaster for another.
That being said, F8's are generally considered more accepting of tankmates than other puffers. You could try some Mollies, a Violet Goby, bumblebee gobies. Just make sure you have a back-up plan if they don't get along.

My F-8 lives happily with 3 bumblebee gobis, 3 mollies and a knight gobi, no problems, feed together aswell,
But he is a softy

Someone was telling me that i could probably do Mono's and Scats(they are a big fish yes at full growth, but take a while to get there). I also have 2 celebs halfbeaks i would love to move into this tank since they are a brackish fish and sold to me as fresh :S

I had a Scat with my GSP's when they were in brackish water and the scat would torment the puffers. You may have a different experience though.

Halfbeaks are quite delicate IMO & would definately be harassed by puffers.

Monos and scats will quickly outgrow a 55g tank, they get absolutely huge, and I wouldn't trust them with a little puffer.
I personally wouldn't be afraid to try a halfbeak with my figure 8's. I think it has the potential to work, but mine are pretty docile, and regardless I would definitely keep a careful eye and be ready to move fish around. May be worth a try though.
Knight gobies are always fun, I like my little girl.

My celebs were in with my african cichlids i had..and didnt get bothered at all. I think they might be ok with the puffer. I'd be more worried about a violet goby then the halfbeaks.
The mono's im looking at max out at around 8" in aquariums.
Any other suggestions for a 55? besides mollies..lol

You might consider Chromides and maybe waspfish.
Just a thought.

I have a gorgeous breeding pair of white sailfin mollies with my two F8's. Everyone gets along great so far. They're in a 50gal (36"x18") heavily planted low brackish tank.