The Puffer Forum

So I really like the idea of getting a puffer but before I go get one and realize that I've set myself up for failure and my fishy up for certain death I thought I'd seek advice. I was thinking about getting a GSP since I've mostly had a freshwater tanks and some brackish and I thought it would be a good transition from brackish to marine. My main concern is what is the cost to feed him/her going to be I know that they need lots of crunchy things to eat so that they can wear down their beaks. I also know that I live in Montana currently and I'm not to sure about seafood in a state were the main source of food usually has 4 legs and a tail. I just don't want to feed them bad seafood (like shrimp, mussels, and clams) that could make them sick. I also want to know how hardy they are I'll definitely be moving in a few years and want to know if they'll be able to handle lets say like a 9-11 hour drive in a car or if I'd have to sell them and start over with new fish after I move. Those are my main concerns at the moment and maybe I need to look at a different first time puffer so please advice away I'm a blank page and only want what is going to be best for the fish.

First of, thank you for doing research before jumping into it. That being said, puffers tend to be pretty high maintenance but are very addictive and worth all of the work in the end. A GSP is a pretty hardy puffer and is most everyones first puffer. A big move like that could be done, though it would HIGHLY recommend against it. The food isnt too much of and issue. Snails, clams, and mussels are pretty good food for a puffer and can be found relativly easily. I know what you mean though as for as quality as I live in Mid Missouri. Snails are a big go to food and can be raised in a seperate breeding tank. Earthworms are also an alternative, though it should not really be a main food source. The move is going to be your main problem, and IMHO i would wait until you are established at a more permanent place before getting your puffer. Good luck on your decision.

Good that you are researching before getting a puffer. Feeding can be an issue with puffer due to giving them the proper food necessary to keep beak growth in check. Frozen seafoods may be an option for you but you have to watch out since much of it is precooked and loses its nutritional value and is hard for the fish to digest. You might also consider looking into a freshwater lurker type puffer. Many of these do quite well without fear of overgrown teeth. Some might take to snails that you could raise yourself or many seem to do pretty well without. These types of puffer would be like the arrowhead, Congo, humpback and hairy. I feed mine frozen raw shrimp in shell, frozen silversides, frozen krill on occasion (limit how much you feed), nightcrawlers (earthworms), frozen tilapia filets. Soaking the food first with a vitamin like Boyd's is also a good idea.

Sounds like the likelihood is too that just obtaining a puffer where you are at may be part of the challenge. I mail ordered mine from Wet Spot tropical in Portland Oregon. http://www.wetspottropicalfish.com/index.php/fish

Well done for researching first

Well it's not exactly what I wanted to hear but it's probably what I need to hear. I thought moving maybe the issue with getting a puffer. I'd still really like to get one is there one that may fit a little better but looks similar to a GSP? Again I only what is going to be best for the puffer and if waiting a few years is it then I can do that so please just tell me if I'm better waiting then looking into other kinds of puffers.