The Puffer Forum

Hi there.

I am new to keeping puffers and have a question:

Could a MBU puffer and Ceylon Puffer co-exist in the same tank, especially if both are about the same size?

Both would be put in an 80 Gallon Tank.

I appreciate any and all feedback.

Cheers.

First of all, welcome to the forum!

They might be able to coexist, although I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't work out - however the real problem is that your Mbu needs fresh water, whereas your Ceylon needs high-end brackish to full marine conditions, especially as it matures. Another point for you to consider is that your Mbu will need a *huge* tank, something on the order of 1000+ gallons. (Yes, that's right, 1000 gallons.) Your Ceylon can get by in a tank somewhere between 55 and 90 gallons. So, it looks like you have some decisions to make.

So, if one were NOT to make it, and a fight started out, would it be the MBU or the Ceylon that would be in trouble?

Who knows...I'd rather think that you will not allow this situation to present itself.

I own both of these puffers and would never consider putting the two together. They are two very separate puffers with very separate needs. Both are lovely on their own and I don't know why you'd want to have them in the same tank. It would be a horrible thing for either puffer if they were to injure each other.

Why not just go for the Ceylon, which would be fine in the 80-gallon tank, just make sure you know about keeping a brackish tank because Ceylons need salt (marine salt). Especially as you are new to puffers, I think you'd probably do best with keeping one species right now and then upgrading to another species at a later date.

By the way, welcome to the forum!

I'd forget about the mbu in a tank that small. They grow quickly & produce a TON of bioload. If the 2 got into a fight, both would probably perish from the damage done to each other.

I think an 80g is a wonderful tank for a Ceylon. If you want 2 puffers, your best bet would be a 2nd Ceylon. It's best to start them out together as juveniles, so they can grow up together. You could also try a GSP, again--start them as juvies. At the time they are both adults & in SW, you could add a few hearty SW fish to the mix, having a wonderful, entertaining tank!

Be sure to read lots of the articles in our Library. Especially the ones on GSPs & Fishless Cycling.