The Puffer Forum

Hi, I want to get a puffer, but I'm not sure what kind. I want one that's somewhat active and won't hide all the time. I have a 40 gal tank, not set up yet. I have freshwater and marine exp. so I know how to set up the tank, cycle it, etc. but for now I'm just doing research. I was thinking about either a palembang or a turgidis. What are pros and cons of both? I thought about SAP's, but I don't know about all the teeth trimming. Also, any info on a T. abei? Would it fit in my tank?

Palembang's puffers are not quite as sedentary as the other lurkers by my limited experience with the group, but are far from active fish. They are still lurker predators, but do not conceal themselves in the substrate.

The turgidus is not as active as SAPs by a huge margin (SAPs are fairly hyper at least), nor as active as F-8s or GSPs or Ceylons, but more active than the smaller target types IME.

Palembang's get bigger than turgidus, ~8" vs. ~6", but that really is not a great difference. By my limited experience, the Palembang's is a bit more keeper-interactive of the two. My one specimen is alway aware of my presence anywhere around the tank, and does respond routinely and regularly.

Personally I would go with T.abei if you can find one. They are active fish and are very personable. They reach a maximum size (in lit) of around 10cm. To me they are very similar to a fahaka but without the very quick growth rate.I have mine in approx 40 UKG.