The Puffer Forum

I've already posted something along these lines in another topic that fizzled out a couple of years ago but my new F8 (I've had him about three or four days) was swimming around the tank quite happily, paused for a second took a deep breath, puffed himself up about 2/3rds his body size, deflated and he's now going about his daily business. He didn't puff all the way up just expanded somewhat before returning to his usual size. Have I just witnessed practice puffing or are darker things afoot?

i have never seen my puffs puff, but from what I read they can puff whenever they like..sort of like practicing..

If it were me and I had that ability, I would puff up a lot because I would think it is cool LOL

+1.. I would puff up all the time too!
I have also heard of them doing it whenever.. I also have never seen any of my puffers puff.
Sometimes they do it just to stretch

In the past five years I have seen my porc puff twice for no reason, and he looked very cool.

My F8 has done the exact same thing. he's puffed up, but not all the way, just partially, then released the water he took in. it scared me when i saw it but i haven't witnessed it since. he seems perfectly fine to me.

My guess is that when they practice puffing that they don't go the full puff because it's too much hard work, but I think it's just making sure that everything is working .... or possibly stretching too. It certainly is a scary thing to see, I screamed when I came into the room and seen my Congo all puffed up, very strange sight. My Abei used to puff up all the time because he could see the puffer in the tank next to him.

My male DPs would puff up partially during their territorial displays, also full extending their crests and keels.

I have had my GSP for about 9-10 days now and havent seen them puff..... LOL but would really like to!!
That would be sooo cool... I have seen them sleep and I thought that was awesome.