The Puffer Forum

It's been a while since I was last here under the name of boomer. He was my pride and joy mbu which I lost well over a year ago now. But I'm back and I'm after some advice if possible. It's my little ones birthday coming up soon and rather than get him a a goldfish I thought about a dwarf puffer or 2. I've done some research and obviously know most facts about puffers in general. I was looking at getting a small 33l tank. Would this be enough to house 2 or are they better off on their own. Have to say I would prefer 2, I don't like the thought of them getting lonely!! Also do they have character? Odd one to ask but my mbu used to have me in hysterics with his antics!!

I would really appreciate any feedback.

Thanku in advance

I think 33l tank abit too small for 2 DP, u can read some info in pufferpedia, 1 DP need at least 20lt but correct me if i'm wrong cause i'm still newbie also

Technically it would be better if you had a bit of a bigger tank for 2 DP's because basic rule of thumb is 5 gallons for the first and then 3 gallons for every dwarf you add after that. So you'd be looking at an 8-gallon tank and I believe your tank is just a little over 7-gallons. I personally believe dwarf puffers enjoy being in small packs, as I've seen them moving around my tank in a group.
Any chance of getting a bigger tank? Dwarf puffers have LOADS of character for being small, and I think you will find that they are most interesting too. I love watching them, especially how they will shoot off and almost come to a dead stop and then turn, so cool! As much as I enjoy my bigger puffers, I hope to always have a few dwarf puffers because there's big character in a little package.

It is a tad small, but I think you could swing it by staying on top of water changes, excess food, etc... I love their personalities. My wife and I have one and he is probably the most inquisitive little fish I've ever owned. During water changes he follows my hand around the tank everywhere, very fun.

You could probably swing two in there with with NO tankmates and if you know you can be religious on water changes. If you can't, then don't try, maybe a betta would be a better idea.

Also, try to get a male and female, not two males or two females, or they'll likely fight.

If you know live plants, they really do appreciate them.

As pufferpuggirl said, DPs have TONS of personality. They're totally interactive with their owners, swarming in front of the glass anytime you come near the tank. They swim actively during the day and are really fun to watch. I think of them as being similar to teen-tiny GSPs.