The Puffer Forum

Hello, I was wondering if you maybe able to help me.
I'm just about to buy a Porcupine Pufferfish and I would like to ask a few questions about this species before s/he arrives.

Que 1. I have a 15.5 English Gallon Tank, and I was hoping this will be big enough for my new arrival? I will just be keeping the Porcupine Puffer in the tank on its own.

Que 2. If my porcupine is in a tank of its own will it get bored or lonely? I just have living rock and sand in the tank at the moment.

Que 3. I have heard two different stories about Porcupine Puffers. Some people say that they are aggressive towards the humans who care for them, whilst others say they can become tame enough to hand feed. Please could you tell me the real truth?

Que 4. Are Porcupine Puffers Poisonous? As I have heard that they can excrete Tetrodotoxin into the tank water, which can be poisonous to themselves and the humans who care for them. Is this true?

Que 5. How big do Porcupine Puffers grow in a home aquarium? I keep getting different information regarding this question.


Thank you for any help you can give me on the above.

Best Wishes.

Haesel Carrier (England)

the puffer requires a 125 gallon (us gallons) tank as it hits 18 inches

your 15.5 is woefully too small for it.

no it will not get lonely it may get bored but they do ok on their own.

they can be docile or agressive each individual puffer has its own temperment.

Yes they have tetradotoxin like all other puffers. they cannot raelease it into the tank, but if they die, and start decomposing, it can be released then.

!8 + inches

15.5 UK gallons is ~18 gallons US. Your puffer needs a tank at LEAST 7 times larger than this, and that is just to prevent stunting and premature death. You're going to have to acquire a tank at least 120 gallons, preferably even larger than that.

Have you already purchased him, or can you put off receipt until you have a larger tank?

Hello,

THANKYOU! both so much for your advice. I have now cancelled my new arrival until i can find a larger home for him/her.

Best wishes

Haesel Carrier

That's so great to hear! When you are set to get your guy in the future, be sure to check back here first again, we're glad to help.