The Puffer Forum

Within my household I have 2 one hundred gallon tank that consist of larger species of fish in my living room and kitchen. I recently added another 10g tank for smaller species of fish because for my little sister's birthday. Inside the tank is 3 green spotted puffer.

The first one I purchased about 2months now and he is in great condition. Eating happily and seems to be lively. His name is was Puffin but now renamed to Hannibal since my mistake of the first time letting him in with my pink kissing gourami---result=gourami eyes eating down to socket.

I recently (just yesterday) purchased 2 more GSP into the new tank. The first one name is Spot; he seems to be fine and eating well and has no problem adjusting to the new environment with Hannibal.

The third one is Squishy; one of the larger of the 3. On the first day I let him inside the tank, he just lays in one spot not eating at all. Being a punk that he is, Hannibal swam around Squishy a couple of rounds and nibbed him on the head. But Squishy did not seemed to be disturbed or upset.

Squishy seems to be very shy and unlike Hannibal and Spot he just lays there in one spot at the corner of the tank next to the plants and shells when I am around. And when I am free and not looking he then moves freely. Since that incident Squishy seems to be ok with Hannibal pushing him around. They are actually swimming side my side most of the time together when Squishy is not afraid and laying in the corner. Is this a normal behavior for a new puffer in a new environment?

Also, I am afraid of him not eating properly and eventually he might die so what are some suggestions? Should I separate him from Hannibal and Spot?

Thank you for the advices beforehand.

Also, is it normal for Hannibal to just lay right next to the heater?

Hi there. GSP's need about 30 gallons each and when they are older need high brackish to full marine conditions. Your 10 gallon tank is overstocked which is why he isn't aciting right. You'll need to do a large (50%+) water change and it should help somewhat.
this should help you too.
library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/

You'll need to get a bigger tank as soon as you can. Like crazedpuffer said, they need 30gallons per fish.
Also, check out my GSP website (greenspottedpuffer.net) and the article in the pufferpedia.

Thank you for the advice. I will convert to a bigger tank and hope all goes well.

Good luck, and keep us updated
until you can get them into a bigger tank do daily water changes.
I wouldn't worry about adding salt until they're in a bigger tank. But they will need high end brackish-full marine eventually.
You also might want to deworm them, all GSPs are wild caught and usually come in with internal parasites, most people have luck using the Jungle parasite clear tabs.
And keep an eye on their teeth, make sure to include lots of hard shelled meaty foods into their diet to keep their teeth worn down, otherwise you'll have to trim them later on, which, while do-able, can be very stressful on both you and the fish.

LOL, looks like you're gonna have 3, 100g tanks in your house!