The Puffer Forum

just a question, how long can GSPs live in freshwater

sample789 wrote:just a question, how long can GSPs live in freshwater

It's somewhat random, but to be blunt, it will live a significantly shorter life than it would if it lived in high end brackish to marine conditions.

I've never had good luck at all with keeping GSP's in freshwater. Now, while I do keep my Figure-8's in freshwater, and they seem fine, I do not believe in keeping GSP's in fresh because I've had too many die on me from trying to keep them that way. When I first started keeping puffers I didn't realise how important salt can be to some puffers, and so I just kept putting these GSP's in my freshwater tank, thinking it didn't matter, and each time, they would die within weeks. I finally got the message and now keep GSP's in brackish water and haven't lost not one of them since. They are fat and happy and growing.

I kept mine in FW for 10 years, but knowing what I do now, I would NEVER do it again. He only grew to about 3" long & although he seemed healthy, his colours were not vibrant. I now have 2 in BW & the difference is very apparent. They have grown at least 1cm in the first month I had them & their colours are almost glowing with health! Don't try & keep them in FW just because it is easier - we owe it to them to keep them in as near to the wild conditions as possible. They will reward you with years of good health & endless amusement!!