The Puffer Forum

Hi, i have recntly converted from keeping freshwater puffers to marine,and was wondering if these two species would be ok in a tank together as i already have the porcupine and want to buy the black saddle but at the same time dont wanna waste my money!!so any help would be most appreciated cheers

At first you need to be sure your Diodon holocanthus has enough room to grow to his full 19"+ size. You need at least 120 gallons to prevent stunting and severe spine problems as he grows.

If you already have a tank of at least that size, then I think it is really up to the individual puffers' personalities on whether or not a Canthigaster valentini and the Porcupine will work. The main points I have for your consideration are possible feeding aggression, the size of the current puffer at the time of introduction, and decor. Food aggression is normal in puffers, but it is somewhat dangerous when there is such a size discrepancy. The Porc could hurt the little Valentini if they both went for the same bit of food (which happens frequently with my little Figure Eights).

Size at introduction is somewhat important because your resident puffer will, understandably, feel his territory is being infringed upon. Shifting around the rockwork will help prevent the puffer from getting too aggressive with the new guy, but a few spats are to be expected and would be less worrisome if the Porc isn't much larger than the Valentini. If the Porc is much larger I would rearrange all of the decor before the introduction and then feed the Porc to distract him.

Decor is also important so that both of the puffers have areas to get away from one another (or most likely so the Valentini has a place to retreat to). Provide plenty of it so that they can establish clear territories.

If you decide to go for it, please remember to quarantine the new puffer for at least 4 weeks before introduction!

My porc was the most docile fish in my tank. I do think a porc and Valentini is a little risky but I don't think there will be many problems.

I really think tank size is the 1st consideration here.