The Puffer Forum

I want to get a puffer for my open 30gal. Im going to plant the tank too. I was originally thinking pea puffers but I want one fun puffer rather then 10 I need a magnifying glass to see. So I narrowed my choices to the Monotrete Abei, and the congo puffer. I want it to be fun to watch and even more fun to watch feed. I am want a puffer that either lives in a cave or suprises there prey from the sand substrate. And im unaware what either of them do. So what do you suggest. I want a colorful all around fun puffer. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Fishy12

my vote goes to Congo for sure

You might want to start checking your LFS for what might be available to choose from. Both your choices are hard to come by, although the Congo may be more available. Also, check our Classifieds.

Ok, thnx guys. Im also on MFK with the same name. Ill look around for whats availabe first. BTW do you guys know if these ones are cave dwellers or the ones that bury themselves in sandd?

That's a hard choice, although Congo is a favourite of mine. But the Abei is a fun fish, very motivated feeder, mine knows when it's meal time and gets very excited. However, for dramatic appeal, the Congo would definitely win, as they will suck in whatever comes over their mouth, as well as actively hunting their food. I recently fed my Congo a pesky Tetra that I'd had for a good long time and it was very interesting watching how he hunted and stalked it.
But like PP says, both can be difficult to find, although I'd think you might find the Congo first, as I've rarely seen Abei's for sale at any of the LFS's around my area.

So your all saying Congo. Ok, ill go with him. Ill let you know when im set up and ill post pictures.

Just one thing .... don't be surprised if the Congo ends up being a bit difficult to feed. I've had a bit of trouble with all the miurus puffers I've owned, and that seems to be part of how they are. If you're going to keep a Congo, it might help to breed guppies. And you have to be very careful feeding any live fish that's just come from an LFS to your Congo, I made that mistake with the first pair of Congo puffers that I owned, and they ended up dying from internal parasites. Now I breed guppies and I know that the ones I'm feeding are healthy and do not have IP's, so it's safe for my puffers to eat them.

Abei if you can find one.

Great choices! LOL, you'll get all sorts of opinions of folk's favorites here! That's why I suggest posting at TPF, as many posters have kept both species. PPG is right about getting the Congo on dead foods. You're gonna need lots of patience:
library/feeding/problems-feeding-your-puffer/

Poke around our Library for lots of other great articles. Especially on cycling your tank BEFORE you get your puffer. Start now, so the tank is ready when you find it!

Our lfs was supposed to be expecting some Abei's but they were not sent due to being 'unstable' - whatever that meant. Lfs owner was asking what they were like, so I told him what was on here and that I'd go for one. He's cancelled the order because they might kill each other in the stock tank - suppose he's a point there.

Motto: never tell LFS owner anything. Wouldn't even order me one.

Better than them getting a tank full for them to kill each other.

How much would a red congo like puffers image cost?

It took me 4 years to find one that was affordable. Locally, I got prices as high as $200. I found mine on Aquabid for $50.

Heck if I could find one for fifty I would snatch it up quick.

I read the link you posted its good info. I had a idea since you recommended guppys. What if I set up the 30gal for shellies to breed(maybe I could get some off mike since he has them). And breed those for live food. And I could sell my juv oscar in my 55gal. And put the congo in there? It would be more room and he would probably look better in there.


N yes I relazied that too.

I recommended guppies? I don't remember that. I don't recommend live feeders. Keep in mind, you'll have a fish that mostly stays buried in the sand, so when you look at the tank, all you'll see is an empty tank. Better at least plant it nicely!