The Puffer Forum

Hi There, just had our first weeks with these cute little geezers ben & jerry, Could anyone let us know what salinity the water should be its at about 0.005 at the moment. Also we have them in a 5 gallon tank, is this ok as they get bigger we will upgrade them but whats the best size they only grow to 3" approx.

Your advice is much welcome.

Jon & kate

Welcome. Do you have a photo you can show us so we can identify them? GSPs get to be about 6 inches, not 3 inches, and require 30 gallons each. Regardless of what species they are, though, a 5 gallon tank is insufficient even short-term.

Thanks for the advice, please could you explain how these little fish need such a huge tank when you can keep multiple coldwater or tropical in much smaller tanks?? is it because they are nosy and like to explore.

1. They don't stay little.
2. They are very messy eaters.
3. They are very messy producers.
4. Because of 2 and 3, they have a very high bioload for their size.
5. They are very aggressive.
6. They are active swimmers.

Those are just a few reasons. In addition, they need a fully cycled tank. Did you cycle the tank? They are extremely sensitive to water quality and an uncycled tank will usually kill them.

yes the tank has cycled, they are very clean at the moment, I have messier goldfish? maybe they will get worse, although at the moment they seem fine, no sign of milky eyes, lethargy or none eating. Will change the tank once they get a bit nearer there largest size, give them more play room and swimming room. I got them from the local pet store they had been in brackish water there for a few months before we bought them (ive been monitoring them). the store has 3" as there biggest size but they may get bigger slightly I guess. Thanks for your advice.

Please read this article. http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/lib ... d-puffers/

In addition, please read this: http://www.bestfish.com/tips/020598.html and do some additional research on stunting fish and the detrimental effects of doing so.

Thanks for that, I will take heed.

The puffers pictured in that GSP care article are 6" (not including their tail).

Thanks for that 2nd link--added it to my Favorites!