The Puffer Forum

I decided that I'd try removing the barrier between the baileyi puffers today for a little bit, while I sat and watched them. For about the first 15 minutes, neither of them noticed anything. Then I think Phil realized it was gone as he slowly made his way into alien territory. He didn't go too far, only about six inches into the other side, then went back and played in his new jacuzzi (got them both 18" long bubble wands yesterday which he loves). Then about 15 minutes later, while stalking some guppy fry, Lil made her way across the tank. She noticed him first as he swam around in his corner. She inched her way toward him and then he turned around and saw her. They both puffed up and started slowly circling each other, getting closer. Then they unpuffed a bit and did what looked like a mating dance, head to tail, swimming in circles up against each other. Then he broke off and moved away a little, then swam at her real fast. She bolted back to her area and laid in her cave. I figured that was enough for now and replaced the barrier. He went back to playing in the jacuzzi.

I dunno if what I witnessed was a good sign or not.

Well, no one got mauled, so I'd say that sounds pretty good!

Now if only you had that on video... hint hint. Hehe.

Don't know, could have been sizing each other up with the puffing up and circling each other.

Well, I'd have videotaped it except for the fact that I haven't got a video recorder. :p

hi,
where do you know the sexes of them?
martin

Don't know for sure, its just a guess.

Boxermom, have they been showing any interest in each other at the divider?

Have you let them together again since your first try?

Nope, haven't tried them together again and I'm probably not going to let them. Last week when I was getting ready to do a tank cleaning, they saw each other through the divider and both puffed up and Phil started banging his face against it. I took that as a bad sign. I could almost hear them hissing at each other.

Oh my... yeah, that doesn't sound too promising..

Sure do love them though, even if hubby thinks they look like floating baked potatoes. She's a bigtime begger, he pays no attention to anyone unless they have food for him. But anytime anyone comes around the tank, she starts swimming around at the surface, begging for food.

Dr. Ebert states that inflating (and flattening) is a part of courtship in several species.

Hmm... dunno, maybe I'll try again then. Maybe they just need to get used to each other. Definitely only while supervised though.

Woland wrote:Dr. Ebert states that inflating (and flattening) is a part of courtship in several species.

the male suvattii certainly does this to impress his female.

Does she normally do it back?