Keeping Dwarf Puffer Fish as a Single Specimen
Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 2:25 pm
Hello,
I am an experienced hobbyist, but have never kept any species of puffer fish (although I've always wanted to.) I am setting up a heavily nano planted tank to house dwarf puffer(s). I have read extensively about this fish (including care sheet on this website) and am very comfortable setting up a tank that they will thrive in.
I have one question that I haven't seen answered (outside of a brief reference on WetWebMedia) and would like a few opinions on. I would like to keep a single specimen in a tank rather than a group. I know they are very intelligent and inquisitive fish, and need a diverse and interesting tank to keep them busy. But how social are they? Will a puffer kept without conspecifics be bored/unhappy, or relish the idea of having a territory and food supply all to himself?
I found a reference on WetWebMedia indicating that in the wild, dwarf puffers grow up in groups, but disband as they enter adulthood and rarely run into other puffers as they mature. This indicates to me that it wouldn't feel unnatural for a single puffer to be alone in a tank, but I would like other opinions if you have them, as I haven't found any other references outside of the one I had mentioned.
If you're curious as to WHY I want to keep single puffer rather than a group, it is to lower the bioload. I prefer to keep stocking levels FAR below the recommended "maximum" for a tank's capacity. Aquariums are a source of relaxation for me, so a tank where I'm not constantly worried about fluctuating tank parameters, over/under feeding, fish agression, etc is ideal for me. The less to worry about the better.
Appreciate any and all opinions!
I am an experienced hobbyist, but have never kept any species of puffer fish (although I've always wanted to.) I am setting up a heavily nano planted tank to house dwarf puffer(s). I have read extensively about this fish (including care sheet on this website) and am very comfortable setting up a tank that they will thrive in.
I have one question that I haven't seen answered (outside of a brief reference on WetWebMedia) and would like a few opinions on. I would like to keep a single specimen in a tank rather than a group. I know they are very intelligent and inquisitive fish, and need a diverse and interesting tank to keep them busy. But how social are they? Will a puffer kept without conspecifics be bored/unhappy, or relish the idea of having a territory and food supply all to himself?
I found a reference on WetWebMedia indicating that in the wild, dwarf puffers grow up in groups, but disband as they enter adulthood and rarely run into other puffers as they mature. This indicates to me that it wouldn't feel unnatural for a single puffer to be alone in a tank, but I would like other opinions if you have them, as I haven't found any other references outside of the one I had mentioned.
If you're curious as to WHY I want to keep single puffer rather than a group, it is to lower the bioload. I prefer to keep stocking levels FAR below the recommended "maximum" for a tank's capacity. Aquariums are a source of relaxation for me, so a tank where I'm not constantly worried about fluctuating tank parameters, over/under feeding, fish agression, etc is ideal for me. The less to worry about the better.
Appreciate any and all opinions!
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