The Puffer Forum

We just got a Toby (valentini), and we are quite excited about it. We have read and read and read, and are still reading. These are a very interesting breed!
I have a question about feeding. I've read that they like freshwater snails. How do I feed them? Do I just drop them in the tank? Is there a particular size? Should they be cleaned a certain way before dumping them in the tank? How many at a time? Sorry, I guess have a few questions

Thanks

duggy

Hi and welcome. I have never kept these particular fish but I am a big fan so well done on a cool puffer. You are right they will eat snails but if you are going to collect them from your garden ensure that you and your neighbours are pesticide free. One trick is to collect them and set up their own tank to breed, there are plenty of threads on snail breeding just do a search.

The size of the snail should be no bigger than the puffers eye to start of with and remoive any uneaten ones as they will die and go foul

Mine has ben picking of all the pods in my tank. I've seen her eat frozen mysis & blackworms so far.

If you try feeding freshwater snails, feed ones that are the same size or smaller than your toby's eye. At first, only drop one in to see if he even has any interest, you dont' want to drop a bunch in and have them die and pollute the tank if he doesn't eat them.

If he decides he likes them, just play it by ear. I give my burrfish freshwater snails but I'm really careful to only do a few at a time so he doesn't miss any. I just don't want them rotting.

I have a Valentini as well and he has become my absolute favorite! I love checking in on him at night, when he's all cuddled up on his favorite rock

Mine likes snails as well, but he's only had a taste of saltwater snails so far. I've been hesitant to put pond snails in the tank... I'd also suggest feeding raw clams, mussells, shrimp (with shell), heck even crab or lobster! (Our fish eat better than we do at times, eh?) I found some frozen mussell cubes that 'Diddy just loves. I thaw half a cube with some garlic and he goes nuts. He also likes Emerald Entree, so I'd suggest that, too.

Post more pics! I love Valentini pics