The Puffer Forum

Just curious as to the largest Fahaka you've personally seen or definitively know about. The reason I ask is that I know they have a potential to reach 18 inches but the largest I see posted are around the 11-12" mark. I've got one currently that's right around that size housed in a 60"x18"x26" (120XT) tank. Up-sizing at this point just isn't feasible for me and I am wondering at what point would it be considered cruel to continue with that tank and what do you think the chances are of her living in that tank for life or should I be looking at trying to find her a new owner already. I'd like to keep her forever if I could and may possibly be able to upgrade in a year or so but if the general consensus is that tank is unfit at her current size or that she would grow too large before I upgrade I'll have to make other arrangements.

one of our mods LisaLisa has a 16 inch fahaka in her tank at home. they can hit well over 18" that is just the general size we know they hit .

all of the size guidelines are to give you a general idea of what to expect, but that does not mean fish havent grown well above that.

your tank is too small as it is for that fish, you really shouldnt keep puffers in any xtra tall tanks, generally they need floor space.

try a 150 or so.

Isn't a 150's dimensions 72"x18"x28"? That just gives me 1 more foot of length and doesn't give any more front to back than my 120 at 60"x18"x26".

mm you can get them differnt sizes, but that foot is more helpful when you consider that your fish will take up a good 1/3 of the tank almost when it swims in a 6ft tank.

you could go 240 but they are fine in a 150

A 150 can also be 24x24x72", a better configuration for turning.

RTR wrote:A 150 can also be 24x24x72", a better configuration for turning.

That's actually a 180,which is the size I hope to upgrade to but probably won't be able to for for a while, maybe up to a year. I guess I'm essentially trying to find out if my fish can live comfortably enough in a tank that's 18" front to back for another year, so maybe I should have asked if their growth rate slows after the 1 foot mark or do they continue to grow at the same rate for life?

I'm looking at a 125 for my Fahaka. 72Lx24Dx17H. At glasscages.com they have a listing of all the tanks they sell in various dimensions. I'd check there to compare volumes vs. swimming area.

MP

Oh, for those too lazy to go to the site mentioned.

72Lx24Dx17H = 125 Gallons
60Lx24Dx25H = 150 Gallons
72Lx24Dx25H = 180 Gallons

All volumes are approximate. IMO the 125 listed above would be okay for a Fahaka but you get differing opinions. I'm opting for the 125 based on economics.

For the experts: is there a minimum tank height recommended for a Fahaka? Is 17" enough?

MP

OOPS! I did give the 180 dimensions. There are one foot increments from 120->150->180.

Judas was 16" when I got him. Eventually he got possibly 18". most muscular fish I ever could know!

A LFS had a nice big fahaka in a few months ago, he looked about 15" to me, he was in a small holding tank though and on the couple of occasions I saw him he was just sitting at the front of the tank with his back to it. A big muscular looking fish though. He was £120 so hopefully he's now in a tank suitable for his size.

Well, what do you know!!! English George is back!!! I thought your Puff had done you in!!!

no, unfortunately Judas is no longer with us. I would say that he is in eaven now but i think his soul may still be in limbo, hiding in my slipper or waiting to bite my finger when i go to switch on a light in a darkened room.

Now I have Boo 18" of cuddly Mbu, the sweetest little(ish) girl I've ever known. Pics coming soon.