The Puffer Forum

Hi Im new here and I was wondering if anyone can suggest feeding techniques for my porcupine puffer. I have had him for about a week now and yet he has not eaten. I tried live feeder fish (silversides) and frozen shrimp yet he just ignores them I don't know what to do! Please help me!

Start by reading the feeding articles in our Library.

My solution for stubborn porcs at the shop has always been either 1) Nightcrawlers or earthworms, and 2) Small live crayfish.
These foods seem to stimulate natural eating reflexes.
Feeder fish of any sort from a pet store are inadvisable, your puffer will eventually get parasites or diseases from them.

I have also tried worms but it doesnt seem to catch his attention. Should I force feed him? or just dangle the food inside tank?

There is an entire article on how to feed a puffer dead foods. Did you read it? It should be quite helpful.

I agree with Nick, feeders may be a danger to your Puffer. I just saw several Puffers with Ich because the store was feeding them feeder fish.

Thanks for the advice! I won't feed them live feeder fish anymore.

My porcupine puffer ignores them anyway and they just end up dying in the tank and messing up the water. I have yet to try feeding him live clams or crabs.

Its just that its been a week since I got him and I haven't seen him eat anything and Im worried that he will starve to death. Based on my research, porcupines should have a strong appetite however mine has no appetite at all. I am not sure if he is stressed about being in a new tank which makes me more worried. He is also alone in the tank and no other fish to fight with.

How long has the tank been set up? What filtration is on there & any live rock? Could you please post the parameters, tank size & puffer's size. This will help us to determine if there is something awry in his tank, or if he just needs a different diet/time to adjust.

Have you tried peas? Those are my porcs favorites, along with bloodworms and live shrimp.

live river shrimp ... never failed for me... no matter the fish...

def live crayfish... mine loves 'em

Finally I got him to eat frozen shrimps! Thanks for all the advice! He likes to eat them whole and just ignores them when I cut the shrimp into bite size pieces!

great, good to hear.