The Puffer Forum

Hi guys,

I'm new here - just registered myself after getting my puffer . I'm not sure how to distinguish between the two puffers I named but that is not my major concern at the moment.

The problem:

I introduced the 2-inch puffer into a cycled tank containing a few tetras and a 2in goldfish. The problem is that the goldfish seems to be more aggressive than I expected - it keep nipping at the puffer.

Now the puffer seems to be intimidated - it keeps to itself at the corner of the tank and swim around wildly if anyone approaches the tank.

Any comments guys and gals?

I have asked the same question about the difference between the two. You probably have A. modestus because they are just a lot more common.

Well, if the puffer and goldfish are not getting along, you'll probably have to separate them.

Ted

Agreed. Puffers are generally aggressive but can be sensitive & not eat if being bullied. BTW, GF do not belong w/tropical fish. They are messy, high ammonia/waste-producers, need huge water changes weekly & are coldwater fish. Your modestus will eventually kill the tetras, no doubt. Mine has even killed any cichlids I've had w/him.

How big is the tank? Mine lives in a 50g & uses the whole tank to swim. He's about 4" now.

Regarding the identity of the puffer, I probably going to capture a photo of the guy and upload it here. I would prefer the modestus as its size is more suitable for my home.

Right now, the fish is in a 20gallon or so tank. The puffer kept to himself under the filtration/bubble area, occasionally swimming around.

Is it deadly to combine the puffer with the goldfish? The goldfish is no longer harassing the puffer it seems. I'm just worried about the ammonia levels mentioned by pufferpunk. =.= It was some sort of compromise between me (who like oddball fishies) and my dad, who is into ornamental fish.

Another thing is the teeth trimming. I read that dwarf puffers do not suffer overgrown teeth. How bout modestus?

Thanks for the replies guys.

I believe Modestus have pretty rapid tooth growth. I am feeding ghost shrimp, snails, and even pellets to try to keep his teeth worn.

And if I am not mistaken, this is not technically a dwarf puffer, right?

Ted

Correct, only Carinotetraodon travancoricus the Dwarf Puffer/Malabar puffer/pea puffer is "dwarf". The Auriglobus species and the other Carinotetrodons are small puffers, as are SAPs and F-8s to me, but not dwarf.

I have read that the modestus dental problems equal the SAPs. Expect to be trimming in the future.

If your dad's into GF, how come he doesn't keep them in cold water? Probably will be deadly for the GF & other inhabitants in the puffers tank, eventually.

Thanks for the answers

My puffer is doing fine now, readily eating the pellets. He seems to be able to hold his own against the goldfish now. Balance of power finally

I'm going to try get some shell-on food tomorrow and see if the puffer digs them

Regarding the puffer identity, there are two brownish spots on both sides towards the rear fins. Not sure if this means anything


EDIT:
On the other hand, it seems that naritus is a marine type puffer..so mine is definitely a modestus since hes doing just fine in my FW tank.