The Puffer Forum

Hi guys. Just wondering if anyone has had any success with tankmates for a GSP in a saltwater tank? Thanks =]

*Some* have had success with clown fish and damsels, however maroon clowns seem to be too aggressive.

How big is your tank? In a 55g, I had success with a tomato clown.

Hi Anldyxp have you upgraded you 2 GSP's from the 20 gallon to one of your larger tanks yet? If not I would wait to consider any tank mates.

Thank you! The reason I ask is because I have added 1 blue damsel, 1 yellow tail blue damsel, and a scooter blenny. I wanted to know if I may have problems in the future. I would like to add a clown fish over the weekend.

So far they all seem to be getting along except sometimes i see the GSP chase the scooter a little so he just burrows into the sand. But for the most part, they all seem ok.

And yes currently these fish have been moved to a 40gal breeder tank. But I only have 1 GSP now because my friend wanted one for his fowlr tank. Thank you guys!

I'd send back that scooter. They only eat live pods & their weight in them daily. Not nearly enough in a newly-established tank without a refugium for a pod farm.

I have a weakness for scooter blennies, but I would not risk one with the GSP. I strongly agree w/PP's comments on their need for 'pods.

In the interest of fairness, I have to admit that I don't like tankmates for puffers under most conditions.

So far I've had great success with tank mates in both FW and SW with my GSP.
But my GSP is no longer interested in shrimp or snails....I have seen him bite sand (my guess, to wear his teeth down).
Spot's currently in with a yellow tail damsel, a o. clown, a bangaii cardinal a mated pair of mandarins, yellow watchman goby w/ randall's pistol shrimp buddy(for 6 months so far) , and a starry blenny.
He's also had tank mates of a whole lotta of SW born Molly fry, a flame angel and for a short term seahorses...he's never bothered anything in the tank not even the snail & hermit CUC.

While it was in freshwater he ate snails and ghost shrimp and the tank mates were bumblebee gobies, dragon/violet goby, rosey barb, black skirted tetra, and 3 platties.

So it just depends on the disposition of your GSP. Just the other day he was under his ledge as the female mandarin was hunting and for a second she was on his back like she was getting a piggy back ride, and he didn't even move, it was too cute.

Best of luck with picking tank mates for yours.

I've had success with swordtails.

But my GSP is no longer interested in shrimp or snails....I have seen him bite sand (my guess, to wear his teeth down).

what have you been feeding now, since his diet completely changed from the snails & ghost shrimp???
and i didnt know that they would bite the sand just for their teeth... huh
are you sure he wasnt trying to catch something in the sand??