The Puffer Forum

Hey there!
So I just ordered 3 Irrubesco puffers online and they arrived this morning... they are so awesomely cute!!
Anyway, I ordered 2 females and 1 male, but received 2 males and 1 female. Does anyone have experience with these puffers and will this be a safe combo?
I just worry that the males will fight over the female, and I want them all to be safe and happy. Any thoughts?

I hope you have a large tank for them (30g). TONS of decor, breaking up lines of sight. they do best in pairs, not 3s. Can you donate one to your LFS?

Males of the puffer world don't generally play nice

They are in a 90 gallon tank, lots of river rock caves and plants to explore and hide in. They are very young at the moment, just about half an inch each from nose to tail. I'm hoping that's more than enough space to ward off aggression, but they are puffers so I guess time will tell. I do have a qt tank cycled at the moment in case I do need to separate a male. Although I'm not positive the 2nd is a male.. I'm just mostly sure if that makes any sense at all. The puffer in question has similar broken stripes like the female and a few spots on the belly, but also has a red stripe down the belly, is darker in color (almost a blue gray) like the male and I can't tell for sure if there is red in the tail. I'll have to post some pictures soon to see if anyone can tell for sure.

Sounds like you have it sussed. They must love exploring in there. Consider building a divider that could slip in a third of the way down incase of aggression, you may however be fine. They should be able to establish clear territories in there

I am hoping that they have more than enough space to mark out their territories. I did a lot of research and planning before ordering the puffers, and even bought a few more plants before they arrived just for the extra coverage. They seem to be doing quite well right now. I was expecting them to be shy and stressed from the trip, but they started exploring right away and greeting me at the glass. Two have paired off and one seems to be a lone explorer, then occasionally joins the group. So far, they are very peaceful.

i have to say, they are the most vicious puffers i have seen yet! aqualife has some in stock and i stood there watching them and one at the front of hte tank didnt want anyone else in 'his territory!' he would attack and chase off anyone who came to the front! and yet i still want one!

Really? I guess their ferocious side hasn't displayed yet.

They really are beautiful creatures.. very different markings on the male and female. I can't decide which I like more!
Apparently I caught the "puffer bug" cause I am completely fascinated and intrigued by them!!

Build that partition ready just to be safe. Always have a backup

Will do.. thanks for the advice!

Hey! Mid if I ask where you bought them from?? I've been looking online everywhere for one!!!

Yes, I got them from The Wet Spot. I know they are only available seasonally, so maybe now would be a good time to check it out. They might be available around April or so. That's when I got mine. Hope that helps!