The Puffer Forum

I just got a new GSP and was wondering if there is any fish that I can keep with him that he won't tear to shreds. I have a dragon goby in there now. But, he spends all his time under and big rock thing. I hate to waste a 55gal on just two fish. So, does anyone know of tank mates for this fish?

Welcome!

In my opinion, you are not 'wasting' a tank to house a fish properly. It shows you are a great caretaker! Have you read the GSP article in the library?

My 6" GSP would have loved a 55g by himself. If yours is mild-mannered (not a total killer), you may be able to add a few damselfish, when it turns SW in a few years. I'd watch the goby for fin bites.

I have two GSPs in a 55 right now and I consider the tank to be quite full. In fact, I have pretty much decided that a 75 will be required before they reach full size.

I can see where you might think its being wasted however, as with what others have said, its not. Your puffer will likely be much happier than say if you started it off in a 20gal tank because it looked fuller. :p Even if you upgraded the 20 gal tank to a 30, and then a 55 or whatever, its much less stressful on the puffer to have it start off in an appropriately sized tank, instead of being moved several times, and on top of that, it saves money in the long run

Puffer punk mentioned some damsel fish - they have a pretty good temprement for puffers. I've had luck with a yellow lyretailed black chromis - but thats because he hides all of the time. Not because of the puffer, he did that long before we had the puffer in the tank with him, but because thats its nature. I think the puffer enjoys chasing the food when he gets a bit of it though :p

Puffers can be unpredictable. I see nothing wrong with a single fish per tank, but some have luck for years with another fish. Don't expect your fish to show human qualities like kindness or compassion to tankmates - its just expecting too much from creatures without conscience.