The Puffer Forum

So I know I am probably just being paranoid, but I just got my new figure 8 puffer this afternoon, and all he has been doing since I put him in the tank is swimming along the glass, both up, down and sideways. The tank has alot of places to explore, I will post a picture. I do not see how it could be from him being bored since the tank is well decorated. I'm guessing that it is probably because he is getting used to the tank, but he has not tried to explore anything except for what is along the sides of the tank. I am worried that something else might be going on, so I figured I would ask. Oh by the way is is brackish water, 36 gallon tank and fully cycled. He is my first puffer. Thanks guys!!

If you just got him today, give him a few days to chill out.

They surf if they are stressed or bored, most likely its due to stress from being moved

I just moved my puffer into a tank twice as big. He has been pacing 95% of the time.

So once he gets used to it, he should start to explore and stop window surfing? Which I'm assuming will take a few days. Hopefully he will stop, its making me sad and stressed watching him!

Honestly, it could be a while. In the mean time it's best to get him/her used to a calm routine to help them feel at ease and get comfortable.

keep the lights out/low for a few days also might help some

That's a lovely tank with complex decor. He should get to exploring it soon, after he's settled down. Is he eating?

my puffer did that for a few days. give him a meal he really enjoys. that will help

He seems to be doing a little better today, still trying to get out at one point he smashed into the glass. I did not feed him this morning and when I got home I saw that his belly was still really round. I'm not sure how long that lasts once they eat which he did the previous night. I fed him bloodworms today and he ate well but his belly is really huge now, and since I don't know how it's supposed to look im worried its too big and could be bloat or something else. Here is a picture.
Thanks for the help!

Your tank is a great setup for your new F8...Good job.

Mine paced for nearly a month after I got him. Keep in mind that these fish are caught in the wild and go through hell before we even get them. It just takes them awhile to adjust to captivity.


*edit*

I feed mine in the evening and here is a pic of him in the morning. http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk16 ... 0617-2.jpg After feeding he is just a little bigger than this but not by much. HTH

That looks like a nice and full puffer.

If the tummy is bigger many hours after feeding than when initially fed, that is indeed curious.