The Puffer Forum

I went to the LFS and noticed that they have several GSPs, one of which seemed really interested in me , but the little guy has a black colored stomach .... is this normal? He seems full of energy and healthy otherwise...no white spots or anything. I talked to the owner of the LFS, and he said that the puffers came in about 3 weeks ago and have been doing quite well.

Also, they are all about 3-4in in length, and are fully acclimated to a marine aquarium (1.022).


Thanks in advance for your input!!

Black tummy bad....
A sure sign of stress...to small of a tank, too high of nitrates...too much competition...not to mention the capture and transport issues can all cause stress. He may be active now...but prolonged stress can make him susceptible to illnesses.

You could buy him and he might turn around...or he could get lethargic, ill and die...the risk is just that much greater when you buy less than ideal specimen. But that choice is yours....

You should look for..and correct me if I am wrong..
A bright, almost fluorescent green puffer, with a white belly, active, with no visible signs of stress, illness, or injury.

Please read the article on them in our Library, before you decide anything. It's fantastic that you have decided to do your research before buying this fish. You may copy that article & bring it in to the shop, if you want.

Thanks Peregrine and Pufferpunk...I have already read that article...(actually on several different websites, so at least its getting around!) I noticed when I went back today that the same puffer I was looking at yesterday no longer had the black stomach. At first I thought it was a different guy, but same size and colors, and he came back to greet me again!

I decided 2 months ago when I first dug out my boyfriend's old tank that I wanted to get a GSP. Its a 30 gallon hexagon *(worst shape imaginable, I know- but I'll take what I can get.)

So, I think maybe he was just stressed out yesterday? I drip acclimated my tank to raise the specific gravity (I cycled at 1.012, but this place has them in marine 1.022) This place seems to be the best place to go, as its employees were knowledgeable and the fish seemed happy.

Anyway, I have a few more questions- but I'll post under a different topic so this one doesn't get too off course.

Thank you so much again for your replies!