The Puffer Forum

Hey everyone, a few days ago I bought a Golden Puffer around 6-7" for my 150gal. The first day it didn't want to eat, but today it really pigged out. First I gave it some chunks of raw shrimp and it really liked them, then I cracked open a clam and he's still eating it.

My question is, how often does a puffer this size needs to be fed and how much? Also, besides clams and raw shrimp, what else should I try to give it? I have silversides, krill and squid that I usually feed my Harlequin Tusk.

Thanks in advance for any help. This is my first puffer and even after reading about them, I'm still a little unsure. Like for example it likes to lay on my powerhead. Is that safe? It's a Koralia 3.

Soorry I can't help but NICE puffer!!!

I would feed every 2-3 days depending on the quantity of food you offer. Mussels have always been a hit with my puffers as well as nice, fat chunks of shrimp. I would drop a couple at a time and let him eat until he looks rounded/bumpy and if there are any remaining, remove them as to not add to the bio-load.

As for power-head lounging....perfectly natural. They like to perch places and will do so day and night. It's just cute to see them all hung over a rock or pump.

Good luck on your puffer. Keep us posted.

That is a gorgeous puffer you got there. Good luck with 'em! :]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Welcome to the puffer forum. You have a beatuiful puffer and you are in the right place to get answers. My puffer likes to get right in front of the powerhead and ride the wave. He also likes clams, mussles and shrimp. He don't get too excited about squid or silverslides. I don't feed him krill, it can give a puffer lock jaw. After you have had your puffer for a few weeks he will be begging for food and you will start to see his personality shine. They are so loveable. Do you have a name yet?

I'll have to come up with a name after I learn his personality a little.

Also, I forgot to mention before... This morning when I woke up, I noticed a little chunk missing from my Harlequin Tusk's top fin. Now I didn't see the puffer do it, but I'm 99% sure that's who it was. The missing part is perfectly round and about the size of the puffer's beak. They also sleep in the same spot. I didn't notice any agression during the day so hopefully this was a one time thing.

Just keep an eye on him as his size can cause great damage even if it just nipping. Also you don't want to lose a Tusk with the price that they cost.

Definitely not, plus I'm pretty fond of him. He's an Australian Tusk, about 5".

can't believe you found a golden guineafowl and now have it as your FIRST puffer..

that's amazing. He/She is beautiful. Good luck with it all.

I feed my large puffers 2-3X a week fresh shrimp, they love mussels + it helps wear down those beaks The Mappas love silversides as does the black dogface but no one else...fresh salmon about 1X week (pretty fatty and adds to bioload alot) my son dropped a hot dog in the other night - honestly it was funny - they ALL went for it and loved it....

No hotdogs please!

LOL while i know hot dogs are prob not even safe for human consumption i have this really funny picture of a puffer eating a hot dog stuck in my head!

beautiful puffer!

Thanks everyone. So far so good. He's eating well and hasn't nipped at my other fish since that first night. Seems to like raw shrimp, squid, krill and clams the best. Doesn't like silversides at all. And he already made a good friend, my large Foxface. The foxface follows the puffer around all the time, it's really funny to watch.