The Puffer Forum

I'm asking this question to determine if the diet I'm providing my GSPs is adequate in preventing overgrown teeth.

Question: If on an unadequate diet how long before teeth become overgrown? Months? Weeks?

I've had my GSPs for only 3 months and they have no 'dental' problems. (on the web I've seen what overgrown 'rodent-like' teeth GSPs can develop). Currently I can only provide a handful of snails about twice a month but they are regularly fed frozen whole krill, clams in shell, shrimp in shell, shrimp tails and mussels, among other foods.

In their 'enthusiasm' to feed they routinely chip the shells of the clams and mussels (which to me appears to be harder than the ram horn snail shells). I can also hear them crunch the other foods as they consume them. This leads me to the conclusion that despite a minimal snail diet their teeth are getting enough wear from the diet they're currently on.

What I don't know is: is 3 months an adequate period of time to make that judgement? Maybe overgrown teeth take 6+ months to develop, I don't know.

Ultimately I plan on breeding snails since I would prefer to have my GSPs eat snails on a near daily basis.

I had gotten a fair quantity of snails and kept them with my blue crayfish (until I realized he loves snails as much as the puffers!)

GSPs don't have the same rapid tooth growth that SAPs have for instance, so it may take longer to notice.

You are giving them a pretty good diet, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

I'd suggest starting up a snail colony like you are planning. Within a month or two you'll have more snails than you know what to do with.

My favorite combination for a snail tank colony is a 5g tank with bare bottom, a HOB filter with a sponge and bio-max in it, and hikari algae wafers. And 90% water changes every few days. Adding a light, heater, and plants can help too.

Slounds like a terrific diet! You shouldn't see any teeth problems at all with those foods.