The Puffer Forum

Does it mean anything if a puffer folds his/her dorsal fin to one side of his/her body?

Napping?

No he's cruising around, checking out his new territory. At the store his fin was usually erect. Since he's been home it's been of to his right.

Steering?

Maybe.

Yeah, its like a rudder on a ship. They use it to steer, to steady themselves, etc. Mine are almost like boxers and seem to curl up when they're happy.

Kismet (GSP) used to curl his tail when napping, but if he was awake and curled, it was when he was uncomfortable or scared. Alaska does it when sleeping or when she is unsure or scared of something new. He may be scared and unsure if he is in a new environment. I would be worried about a persistently curled tail if he's settled in, though, as from my experience it can be a sign of discomfort.

EDIT: Are we talking about his dorsal (fin on his back) or his cadual (tail) fin? I'm sorry if I have misread...

A curled tail is also a profile issue, used by several puffers whem the are heloptering - orbiting something of interest and circling it with their nose always always at the object. Folding the tail against the body reduces the wtaer profile for resistance, so makes the move much easier, lower energy cost. The dorsal may used or rther not used in the same way.

Actually my concern was with his dorsal fin. His caudal fin seems good to go.