The Puffer Forum

Hello Puffer Forum!

I have a 46 Gallon Bowfront Tank and from what I've read it's ok to have 2 figure 8's in this size tank. My question is, would it be ok to have 3 if there was plenty of hiding places for them? I had only intended to get 2, but when I went to pick them up from the LFS that ordered them from me, there were 3 of them in a tank with a larger and aggressive GSP. I watched this GSP chase and nip the f8's. Now I'm feeling bad that I left the much weaker f8 alone in the tank with that GSP. I don't want him to get killed. I'd like to go rescue him tomorrow morning, but I don't want to do that if 3 would be too much for my tank. What should I do?

I appreciate your advice! I've been using your forum to do most of my research before deciding on getting a F8. Thanks for all the helpful info!

3 should work in there.
library/puffers-in-focus/fig8/

I agree, 3 will be fine in there. Good for you for being a responsible fish owner!

if he is smaller than the others just be sure he is getting enough to eat. I have one f8 who is smaller than the others and he has learned that when I tap the top of the tank food is soon to come so he is sure to be the first to eat. Also, I like to feed foods like tilapia and shrimp. I put them in a veggie clip. This way they can graze on it and I am sure the littler guy gets enough. (And because it's in the clip it is easy to remove if they don't finish it all). Good luck!

Thanks for the feedback! I went back and rescued the little guy. The GSP was terrorizing him. He's so much happier now that he's in a nice big tank with my other 2 figure 8's. Tonight we went out and bought a 55 Gallon tank and we will cycle and get it ready for a GSP. For now, I'll continue to read this forum and become more knowledgable on the species. I think I caught the puffer bug!!!

I think so