The Puffer Forum

I just bought 2 new figure 8's and for some reason they will not eat. When i start feeding my 3 other GSP's come to the surface but the figure 8's will not. Sometimes they will come about 3 quarters of the way up to the top of the tank and then swim back down. Ive tried feeding them many diff. types of food still with no luck, what do you suggest? Also they are much less active than the GSP's.

First of all please answer these questions:

1.) What size tank? (GSPs need atleast 30 gallons each! Figure 8's need atleast 15 each!)
2.) Are you keeping the GSPs and Figure 8's together? (Big no no. GSPs get 6 or so inches where figure 8s get about 3ish. GSPs move into full marine tanks and figue 8's stay in low brackish)
3.) Whats the SG of the tank?
4.) Do they look emaciated with sunken stomaches? Are their bellies dark?

they are in a 20 gallon tank, and they are together, their bellies are not sunken in yet but just because they are only a couple days old.

SG's about .012

Sunken bellies usually mean they have internal parasites. Honestly you will need to start looking into another tank or 2, or return most of the puffs back to your LFS. A 20 gallon isn't really sufficient for that many puffs, let alone ones that shouldn't be mixed together.

Alright, should I use tongs to individually feed the figure 8's then or try a new type of food. They swim up towards the top and then stop??? How do you suggest i get them to start eating?

I suggest taking them back to the store since they aren't compatible with the GSPs. And you really need to think about getting a bigger tank for the GSPs.

It can take a few days before the puffers feel comfortable enough in their new surroundings to eat. They are probably very stressed out.

Puffers are not good beginner fish. Especially brackish puffers like yours. You need to make some decisions about what you can keep, and what you can afford.

Yea wow, not only mixing the two (GSP's and F8's) is a No-No, but 20 GALLONS!?!?! C'mon man... I know you probably want them, they are cool, but you're going to have to drop some big dollars to keep them. They have a huge diet, need a SG of 1.005 - 1.008 (F8's) / more for GSP's, which, like Tihsho said, eventually go into full marine. and 2 F8's and 3 GSP's?!?!? 20 GALLONS!?!?! That's like asking for a world of issues... My advice, take e'm back, egt some Cichlids or Piranhas, READ UP ON THESE PUFFERS, then prepare yourself with everything you need to get them, including larger tank setup, appropriate for your fish selection.

You'll need atleast 15 Gallons per F8 / 30 Gallons per GSP...

Hope you do the right thing... Its a shame to see these guys go...

your 20g would be perfect for 1 of the F8s.

I know it is hard to consider taking the GSPs and a F8 back, but for their long-term health thats what I would suggest.

Yea, like he said, 1 would be fine, but that seems kinda unfair... Lonely and all, lol, Idk if fish get that, but yea... Honestly though, take em back, get some simple fish and take some time reading and working (cuz they cost A LOT to get started) and then come back to get some...

SkeptikaL wrote:Yea, like he said, 1 would be fine, but that seems kinda unfair... Lonely and all, lol, Idk if fish get that, but yea

No, puffers are great as singletons.

http://www.thepufferforum.com/articles/ ... ypuff.html

Jon, please do rehouse or return all of your puffers but one f8 in your 20 gallon.

http://www.thepufferforum.com/articles/ ... uffer.html
http://www.thepufferforum.com/articles/ ... togsp.html

Also know that 30-gallons of WATER per gsp is an utter minimum. They get large (6") and mean.

Don't feel attacked, Jon, we just know from experience that your type of set up is bound for trouble, and very soon.

I had 3 GSPs in a 20 gallon long at one point (before I knew their requirements) and I was unable to give them large enough tanks (I was looking for a 75 gallon minimum) but I realized to go full marine on that scale was way too expensive for me. I also realized that there was no guarantee that the three wouldn't kill each other as they grew to their adult sizes (puffers become increasingly territorial the bigger they get). Luckily I found that my friend was interested in them and capable of providing them a large tank. Now they are in much better care.

Having one F8 is really a blast. I miss my GSPs terribly, but my singleton F8 is a clown in his 15 gallon with a couple tank mates (only added tank mates after owning him long enough to gage his aggression). F8s are much cheaper to keep but they are still chocked full of so much personality. One F8 in a 20 gallon would be wonderful, they really appreciate the more room you provide them, you can tell by their personality.

As for them not eating, many times F8s are brought into pet stores so emaciated they will never recover. If your puffers are beyond the flat belly and have sunken in ones, chances are they won't make it. To make the situation worse they are also in a SG much too high and with very intimidating fish. They may be stressed/intimidated by the GSPs' vigor during feeding time.

I know it will be hard to bring your fish back, but it's for the best as these fish are very easy to become attached to and when they die (as they most certainly will in that set-up) you will be devastated. At least you will know the one fish you do decide to keep will be in optimal conditions and excellent care. F8s live for 18+ years if properly cared for.

I was in the same situation when I first joined this forum. I had two GSPs and one F8 is a 15 gallon and I had to give the GSPs back.

I think a lot of people here have gone through this... I started out with a GSP in a six gallon tank. I learned quickly with some help from the people here and quickly put him in a 20 gallon and later a 40 gallon.

My GSP got much happier and more outgoing when he was housed by himself... he was very shy when he had another puffer as a roommate. He has gotten much healthier and bigger in just two months by himself!

Puffers seem to do much better as singles... with the possible exception of dwarf puffers. After a few tries carefully mixing "compatible" species, all of my puffers except the DPs are now solos... although my F8 does have a pair of black mollies and some bumblebee gobies as roommates.

I will second going with a F8 in your 20 gallon... they are really wonderful and active fish. They are also pretty and easy to take care of (once you get the hang of it). Good luck!

I think he got scared away....