The Puffer Forum

New Puffer owner here .. and new to the brackish world as well. I've spent about a month allowing my 55 gallon brackish tank to cycle and have finally introduced my Orange Fugu this evening. I'm quite nervous, however, because I don't want the little fellow to die. He was so very calm in the acclimation container he was in for the 10 hours during his drip. He ate well and hung out, chilling. Now, for the past two hours, he has swam laps up and down, horizontally and vertically, hasn't seemed to stop since being introduced into the tank. He doesn't been to be struggling to breathe, but he is certainly different than he was in the drip container. How will
I know if he is struggling? Water parameters were as close to identical as I could get them prior to his transfer. Thanks in advance for all suggestions!!!

They are known to be high-strung fish. How deep is the sand bed? Lots of decor in there to make him feel safe?
library/puffers-in-focus/takifuguocellatus/

The sand bed is on average 3-4", and I do have several dragon stones and larger plants in the tank with him. There are no other fish, only some ghost shrimp. At first I thought the water current from the filter may be too strong, but it's a built in filter and no way to adjust it, so I removed the wave maker and have kept the lights off. He seems a bit better this morning. I've watched him gobble up 2 shrimp, which is positive. I'm wondering if he's chasing his reflection, which I don't know how to prevent. Could be he likes what he sees

I read an article about how docile they were all buried in the sand, and he was so calm in his drip container. But he's been all but that in his tank. So, I became concerned.

Again, any advice is appreciated!!!!!

Maybe he appreciates all that room!

Quite possibly. I'm holding my breath for him. I want the little guy to have a happy, long life!! I want to do make sure I'm doing my part

You read the article?

Of course I did, and as many as I could find on this particular puffer.