The Puffer Forum

I recently bought 3 south american dwarf puffers and have been feeding them blood worm every other day as per the instructions of the people I bought them from. I was also warned that they might have a little bit of a nibble at my angel fish but other than that they shouldnt cause a problem. So far they've been a joy to own, very sociable coming over to the glass when you are around and following you as you move about the tank however this evening I note my neon tetras, which were bought at the same time as the puffers and was not advised against doing are looking very much nibbled with some of their tail fins missing. Is this common behaviour from these little puffers and will feeding every day prevent this type of behaviour? They are not bothering my other fish (pengiun tetras, angel fish and clown loaches) so would I be best to try and rehome my neons?

Could well do with feeding them something a bit more nutritous, they need more variety than bloodworm, these puffers teeth grow fast so you need to get some crunchy foods in them, snails are a favourite for them. Cockles in shell. You can feed them other stuff as well such as Krill, Mussel. A smuch variety as you can get in them. If the fin nipping persists then think about shifting the affected.

Welcome

Are they South American puffers or dwarf puffers?

Fins and scales are natural parts of the SAP's diet (obligate fin nippers). Best way to avoid them actually nipping is to keep them well fed.

They are South American Puffers.
Unfortunately I have come home this evening and despite feeding them they have nipped almost all of the fins of my tetra and some of my angels! Therefore I have managed to seperate them out with a piece of acrylic so they dont do anymore damage, in the mean time my partner and I have to decide whether to rehome these little guys or buy them a whole new aquarium! Any suggestions welcome!!!

New Aquarium!!!

+1 new aquarium!

This is the nature of puffers. You never know what result you'll get when they share space with other fish. They may be fine together their whole lives, or a couple hours. Total crap shoot.

Thanks for all your help with this one, the 3 puffers are now installed in their very own aquarium now, they seem a bit lost being so small but they seem very happy in there! My other fish are much much happier now too!