The Puffer Forum

I have a 5.5 gallong tank that has been set up for a while. I had a cory cat and a algae eater in it. I moved those into another tank and bought a dp yesterday. It is definetley a male. He looked very bulged and full when I bought him. later last night I tried to feed him crill, and blood worms today. He would not eat either times. Should I be concerned?

He might just need some time to settle in before he's comfortable enough to eat

Yes, he may need time to settle in. Does he look healthy otherwise? Do you know what they were feeding at the store?

I think he looks healthy. But I have no idea what they were feeding him. Just made me nervous I have never had a fish ever not eat the first day.

Puffers can go awhile without eating. As long as its not like a 5 days or a week is it dangerous. He'll come around just keep the light off and try not to disturb him.

You can also try soaking the food in water with crushed garlic. Most fish love the taste of garlic.

Thats interesting why keep the light off?

He should feel more comfortable with subdued lighting.

ok flutter. will try that out. One other question do dp's do ok as singals? They are not like sap's right?

You're right He should be fine alone and if you ever expand you could pick him up two girlfriends

It's really not uncommon for a puffer, or any fish really, not to eat the first day/night that you have them. They usually need time to settle in. I'm sure your guy will be fine once he acclimates to his new surroundings.

my dps dont like krill - but love bloodworm and snails -

try putting some small aquatic snails in there for him/her

My DPs won't touch krill or mysis shrimp. They can be picky little buggers. As everybody else said, don't worry till it's been more than a few days that he's not eating.

You might also want to ask the LFS where you bought him what they were feeding, since he looked so nice and rounded when you bought him. He clearly liked their food.

live blackworms = DP crack, IME.

thanks for the tip nick