The Puffer Forum

Hey, I have a GSP in a 20 gal. tank all by himself. He is in brackish water. The other night when I went to feed him I noticed that his belly, instead of being completely white it was kindof dark in spots. It was darker (grey/black) on the sides and near his mouth. As soon as I fed him though his belly appeared to change back to his normal bright white colour.
I didn't know puffers "changed colours" and what would/could have caused this???
Thanks

It's very normal for puffers to change colours.

When they are just lurking around, they often get darker/duller, and when they get excited (think feeding time) they turn bright white. Sometimes the opposite, where they will flush darker during feeding.

If you notice that they are very lethargic and are breathing heavy and they have consistently dull colour and a dark belly, there is a good chance of sickness.

Normal activity and colour changes mean you have a normal healthy puffer.

Thank goodness. For a minute there I thought maybe I was doing something wrong! Phew...

Mine does the same thing Nicole. He also used to darken on the sides during water changes. Emotional fish! Now he's more curious about the gravel vac and even bites it if he sees something inside.

So do my puffs!
Hey Nicole, what size is your puffer? What SG? When are you upgrading his tank?

My puffer's about 1.5", his SG is about 1.006. I figure his 20 gal. is okay for a while since he's the only fish in it and he's still tiny. I will be setting up a 38 gal. tank in the near future for my Puffy.