The Puffer Forum

Well I just acquired a Fahaka from my LFS, they didn't know what it was so they gave me a good deal, only $12.99. It's around 3" long and is currently in a 55 with a couple catfish.

Has anyone had success with raphaels and a fahaka? I know the Raphael's are pretty tough plus they usually hide all day and only come out at night. I'm sure it's a gamble I'm just curious if anyone has ever done it or should I go ahead and move the two Rapheal's to my bichir tank with my other two Raphaels.

Either way, I've wanted a Fahaka for a while so I'm quite pleased that I actually found one

Welcome, and congrats!
Your Fahaka might be ok in the 55 for now, but he will need at least a 125gallon. Mine lives in a 210, and loves every inch of his tank.
Mine, as most, is super aggressive, so tank mates are out. Some here have had luck with mates and will chime in shortly.
Good luck with your new guy .

If my memory serves me right I believe only our humble leader PP has had success with tankmates and a fahaka.

Ok, yea I know the 55 will be too small down the road but what are we talking about a year or so? I've seen they are fast growers but I don't know how fast.

Also, I've seen that you should only feed them two times a week, once with "normal" food, and once with snails, crawdad's, clam's etc.. to grind their teeth down. Is this frequency correct?

He has not shown much aggression as of yet but it could just be because he's new to the tank.

There are articles on feeding puffers in the library section, as well as some other great articles.

Ok, I read the article but it does not specify the frequency for feeding the puffer.

Feeding depends entirely on size and age of the puffer. There is no hard and fast rule to give you.

Currently I keep mine with a rainbow fish, two plecos, a peacock eel and about 15 neon tetras.

The peacock eel is always hiding in the gravel and the plecos avoid him as much as possible. The rainbow fish hovers around him occasionally but I've never seen any aggressionout of the Fahaka.


.....there used to be 20 neon tetras though. He enjoys an occasional snack between feedings.

MP

Well the wife just called and said my banjo cat is acting weird.. it might have begun.. I think I'm going to move all of my cats to another aquarium tonight.

Mudfrog wrote:Well the wife just called and said my banjo cat is acting weird.. it might have begun.. I think I'm going to move all of my cats to another aquarium tonight.

good idea, i wouldnt trust any puffer with non-con-specifics.

Like you said, it's a gamble.

Like your avatar--just wrote an article on them.

Yea, the banjo cat's tail is missing.

He also ate his first piece of krill today, he tore into it!


Cool, let me check out the article if you don't mind, I know alot about them but always looking to learn more. I have 3 of them in a 50 breeder. Ranging from 6" - 11".

It's almost done--just waiting to hear from TFH so I can get in touch with someone that has bred them, to include that important info in the article.

Ok, send me a pm once it's done.

I have a Fahaka puffer and I did have him in with 2 raphaels but it seems they like the tails I am not sure if it is because they don't move during the day or what but other than the tail biting there was no problem you could try it but be prepared to take them out if you have the same problem my Fahaka "Pudge" is currently about 6.5 inches and has a 7 inch pleco and 6 tiger barbs with him and does not bother any of them. I have also had a redtail shark and 2 moonlight gouramis in with him but only for about a month before the owners claimed them again it seems to me that if the tankmates stay at the top or can swim faster than you Fahaka they might stand a chance. If not I wouldn't chance it. Hope this helps and good luck