The Puffer Forum

everytime im at the lfs, they have 2 or 3 ceylons for sale, they call them topaz puffers there though.
they always seem to be lying on the bottom of the tank, if you stand there long enough they get up and start begging for food.

is this normal with ceylons? i know theres alot of species of puffer that will just rest until feeding time pretty much, but im sure ive read that ceylons are very active fish.

whats the best way to pick a healthy specimen? should i be looking for those that are swimming about? or could it just be cos their enviroment is barron at the store, it makes them just lie there?

Firstly let me say, I am new to Puffers but I have a Ceylon and I have to say that I hardly EVER see him just sitting on the bottom unless he is unwell..... He was ill when I first bought him but now he is better he is constantly swimming and exploring...so I don't think it can be right for them just to stay on the bottom. I am sure there are others here who are more qualified to tell you the natural behavior of a Ceylon. This was just an observation from my own experience

When I chose my Puffer I chose the liveliest, best coloured one in the tank with a nice white belly....just the same as I would have when choosing any other fish....good colouring...bright....alert...feeding well etc etc

I have had Ceylons for over 6 years now. Their behavior seems to depend on their individual personalities. I have one Ceylon who almost always is resting at the bottom of the tank, but if I walk into the room he seems to become more active and friendly, wanting food of course. On the other hand, my other Ceylon is crazy active all day swimming around the tank and exploring. I also have 2 younger Ceylons that never seem to settle down except at night when they sleep.