The Puffer Forum

I was in an LFS today and they had what they labled "Avocado Puffers" which looked to me like Broze Puffers but they were metalic green. I also found this name on the web: Xenopterus naritus which looked more like them than the pufferpedias pics of the Bronze. Any ideas? It was definately metalic greenish gold and thinner than the way most puffs look. Also the pufferpedia says they are inactive. These guys were RACING across the tank non-stop. Let me know. My roommate will kill me but it was all I could do to not buy a 20 gallon tank and bring one home. . . . . . . I'm betting I could get a tank and some bio-spira and have a new friend by the end of the week but I'm afraid it'll end up being something else and need a 30+ gallon tank. Several were kind of schooling and one meanie was chasing and nipping at the others. Let me know!! -- Coop

Sounds like a silus. Naritus are never seen for sale and are extremely rare from what I've been told.

BTW, they are extremely aggressive IME and they have teeth like SAPs which will need manual trimming.

IME, Modestus' are very active.

Although I think the whole auriglobus family is pretty active.

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So I went back to that LFS on my lunch break today. They are definately metalic green and not gold. Any chance they accidentally got naritus? Are young Bronze Puffs green and turn gold over time? Should I move heaven and earth to get one since they are only $9.00!?!? They have 5 or 6 of them. Are Bronze/Modestus commonly metalic green?

Nope, no chance it is naritus. It sounds like a silus.

What's the difference between the Silus and Modestus? (and Naritus for that matter)

It seemds that the modestus is heavier-bodied & not quite as shiny as the silus. Some say there is a bluish line along the base of the dorsal fin of the silus. Both are pictured under modestus in the Pufferpedia (we need to fix that).

Naritus is extremely rare and never seen in the trade from my understanding. Look very similar to the others but can get to be nearly a foot long, from my research.

As PP said, silus are thinner and very metallic-shiny compared to the modestus, which are wider bodied. Both of my silus have a bluish line running almost the entire length of the spine, just under the skin, which gives it a greenish tinge. Its very apparent in indirect light, such as with the tank light off but the room light on. Modestus appear to be more of a yellow-gold color IMO.

Here's a picture of one of my silus, where you can see how shiny it is. Compare it to some of the modestus pics in the Pufferpedia and you'll see the difference.

Hmm. . . A Silus it is. Definately not Bronze/Modestus. Thanks for taking the time to post the pic! I want a tank full of them but I'll have to hold out and hope they get more in after I move in the spring. Too much to deal with right now! So singletons in 20 gallons only or will a heavily planted 40 support 2/60 for 3, etc.? I mean are they too aggressive for conspecific tankmates?

They're too aggressive for any tankmates, conspecific or otherwise.

If you buy them as juvies at the same time, they may live together to adulthood. Definately, do not add another one later. 20g ea.

Both of mine were juvies. Lived together quite nicely for about 3 weeks, before they started taking bites out of each other. Moved each into different tanks with other tankmates, the other tankmates (even much larger than themselves) eventually started missing parts as well. They are both now alone. Not saying its impossible, just not something I would recommend.

Was at the LFS again today. I can't have any more tanks so I'll just look at the ones for sale and dream right?? Anyway, saw the "avocado puffers" again. I was looking for the blueish stripe and instead saw a dark brown stripe down the spine. I'm thinking they are just too young to show the adult coloration. Each is about 3 inches long, metalic green and definately a brown stripe down the top. Totally intrigued by them though. Their movement and shape are fun to watch. I hope they have more next spring when I will be in the market for another tank. I'm not good with delayed gratification. I want it now! Any support groups for people like me?

hi,
@cooper: how do you know for sure wich species this is? i´m keeping auriglobus-species for a longer time now and could never find out for sure.
martin