new Puffer always hungry?

[carolinasculpture]

Hi! I am new to puffers, but have wanted one for a while. This January we decided that we would get one and started setting up the tank. We obtained brackish specific gravity level, cycled it, added live plants, cover, etc and snails. By now (mid July) the bottom of the tank was crawling with small snails, so we decided the time was right to add a puffer (Green Spotted). We got him Tuesday am and drip acclimated him until evening. Put in the tank, he seemed to be looking for food, so I put some in and he tore into it immediately. Wednesday am, most of the snails are missing from the tank...and he is still looking for food. So again, I fed him. I was planning to feed only in the evenings every day and skip Fridays, but he seems to always be hungry. Could he have been under fed awaiting his new home and is just catching up, does he need to be fed more that I thought or am I over feeding? Thanks in advance.

[Pufferpunk]

Puffers are adept at begging & will eat until they explode. Feed to a slightly rounded belly.
More info on them here: viewtopic.php?f=68&t=28469

[carolinasculpture]

Hi! Thanks! That is what I have been doing, but how often? Once a day, twice? He sure is a cute little beggar, but don't want him to pop! Read the article...he's going on a diet! Thanks!

[Arny]

Hi! Thanks! That is what I have been doing, but how often? Once a day, twice? He sure is a cute little beggar, but don't want him to pop!

Once a day is enough, depending on how big he is you can give him either 1/2 a bloodworm frozen block or a whole one every day. Or half a prawn or a whole prawn a day

[carolinasculpture]

Thanks, I have been doing the 1/2 prawn and some "free range" snails, but I think he has eaten most of them. I'll vary with the blood worms, too.

[bertie 83]

A lot of the snails will have hidden, you will see lots more lol

[Pufferpunk]

Skip at least one day/week from all food.