The Puffer Forum

So, i have a 120gal 2'x2'x4' planted tank, sand bottom. I feed my fahaka; guppies and goldfish as well as krill and snails. (the feeders are put in quarantine for 2 weeks prior to being fed). He seems very happy and energetic but he hasn't grown more than a half inch in 4 months. My friend and i bought ours at the same time, he has his in a 55g (he knows its too small) and his is already 6 inches, while mine is 3". My puffer seems to be happy and healthy and i don't know why he is such a slow grower! I keep live food stocked in his tank in case he gets hungry while i am at work, i also feed 1 cube of krill a day and some snails once in a while. WHAT COULD CAUSE THIS ISSUE???

ps. I know he is a fahaka, without a doubt so no species confusion. also my friends puffer came from the same lot.

First off drop the krill, goldies and guppies. That is a terrible diet for this fish. Swap for a better diet and I am sure he will grow. You should expect him to grow about an inch a month.

Muscle, cockle, crab, shrimp,prawns, crayfish, bloodworm etc should all be offered defrosted but uncooked.

+1 to bertie's comments. IF the fish does not improve on the better diet, considider treating for IPs (intestinal parasites). Commercial feeder are not only poor nutritionally, they do tend to carry IPs.

Soak the foods in a good liquid vitamin too, like Zoe or Vita-chem.
What's your water change schedule?

@PP I don't wanna hijack this thread but I have noticed my GSP's growth has kinda slowed (one of them is just short of 3 inches while the other is barely over 2.25 inches) and they eat better than me. (varied diet of clams & bloodworms with occasional live snails, crabs, and shrimp) Would that same solution you suggested help my issue too? Hopefully when I go through with my planned upgrade to a 75G or maybe a 125G they will also start growing better as well.

All fish foods should be supplemented with vits.

Also keep up with the 50% weekly water change.