The Puffer Forum

Hi All,
I'm a NooB but have always loved puffers! Was thinking of purchasing a spotted puffer; however, preliminary research indicates that they require brackish or salt water as they mature.

Which types of puffers are best suited to fresh water? (Tried the Puffer Pedia but it currently seems to be down.)

Very much appreciate any and all suggestions

Thanks!

There are a lot of FW puffers.

What size tank do you have/want?

Do you want something that is going to be active all the time or are you cool with a lurker?

Since this is all new to me, prefer to keep it simple.

Smaller PF breeds are preferred so I can utilize a smaller tank. More active fish are preferred if any of the hardier PF breeds fall under that heading.

What types of FW PFs are you thinking about?

well from what you just said Id suggest a Dwarf puffer.

100% FW for life. Grows to about 1.5" and 1 per 5g's so you can keep it in a small tank.

xrayjeeper83 wrote:well from what you just said Id suggest a Dwarf puffer.

100% FW for life. Grows to about 1.5" and 1 per 5g's so you can keep it in a small tank.

Awesome reco! May I ask what you'd recommend as a #2 or #3 reco just in case my local store doesn't stock dwarf puffers?

Redeyes and modestus can be kept in some where around the 20g mark iirc

Others should be adding some more ideas in a bit

Thanks, xrayjeeper83. Look forward to some additional breed recommendations to expand out the options a bit.

Very much appreciate the help!

You can keep A Congo in a 20 long or 29 tall. I love congo's!

Your search for info will go better when the PufferPedia is restored to service.

We had a recent crash and not all info is back as yet, but work is continuing.

Totally agree, RTR! It sounds like a phenomenal resource.

Do you already have an aquarium you plan to use? That would help narrow down what freshwater puffers would be best.

Keep in mind that the smaller tank you have, the harder it will be to keep the water parameters balanced. If you are new to keeping fish, a larger tank is better, I think. If you are new to puffers, but you've had a lot of experience keeping other fish in thriving conditions, then you'd have more options.

I have an Auriglobus Modestus, a freshwater species, in a 55 gallon. He's is alone, other than some guppies that he completely ignores (that will definitely not always be the case). Personally, I think at least a 30 gallon breeder (long) tank is good for a Modestus. But, mine sure loves his 55g! He's been one happy, healthy, active puffer for the 5+ years I've had him now.

I agree that the puffer encyclopedia will help you out when it's back up.

Thanks, Dinsdale. I have either a 5 or 10 gallon tank so the Dwarf Puffer makes the most sense, although I'm already dreaming of getting a larger tank to accommodate a larger breed down the road

Appreciate the help!