freshwater dwarf puffer

[SammieSam83]

Hi! I just got a freshwater dwarf puffer today, and he is quite aggressive! He is stressing my other fish out, so I am giving him to a friend. I was just wondering if anyone knows what kind of fish puffers get along with with. Thanks for your help! :) ~Samantha

[Serrateeth_2002]

Fishes which like water with a pinch of salt.

[AsahiToro]

The freshwater dwarf puffer does not require salt. They are truly freshwater. They remain very small and generally peaceful but can be fin nippers for slower moving, more docile tankmates.

[Dangerdoll]

The freshwater dwarf puffers can have the tendency to be a bit nippy at others fins, though with a large enough aquarium, this problem can be somewhat alleviated, though I'm guessing some are a bit more nippier than others for territorial issues. Mine are in a 55 gal. with Angels, cories, plecos, and a shark..... and there are no problems between them at all....... what size is the tank?

[SammieSam83]

Well I just got him today, do you think maybe he will adjust? Also, can this tail and fin nipping be harmful to my other fish? I have a gourami and two angels.

[Dangerdoll]

hmmmmm...... it could be that he's just trying to set his order in rank for the others and it should end in a couple of days at most.....I would suggest that if it goes on and you see it still being a problem after a couple days, then give him away....

what size is the tank and fish?

[Serrateeth_2002]

Bad mix,puffers nip the gourami,angels can defend themselves though.

[SammieSam83]

Actually, he doesn't bother my gourami, he bothers my angelfish...

[Serrateeth_2002]

Maybe the angel's thin anal fins are more obvious than the gourami's

[SammieSam83]

Ok, well I was wondering about this fin nipping, can the puffer actually take chunks out of them? Is he better off in a tank by himself, or with some more compatible fish?

[Serrateeth_2002]

They are usually best in a species tank,they kinda school,i think,they have fused teeth which looks like a beak and yeah,they take out chunks not bits.

[JamisonBWolsh]

Everything I read states the same. SPECIES only with salt on some species. I saw a few different species of the puffers that were about 5 inches each. and sold for 29.00-50.00 each. WOW they were really NICE Fish...If your going to make a species only tank..get a few of these guys..

[Serrateeth_2002]

Then you will be shocked when i say my lfs sells figure 8 puffers for 2 bucks which is housed in the same tank as Elephantnoses which sells for 15 bucks.

[SammieSam83]

So basically it's just a tank of puffers? I was hoping there were other fish I could mix with, but it's looking like a no! :)

[Dangerdoll]

The puffer wont take chunks out of the angel, they are merely fin nippers. As your angel grows, the problem should work itself out and the puffer will leave him alone. As a cichlid, this fin-nipping of your angel won't be tolerated for too long. Although, I'd still recommend moving him if the nipping gets overly-excessive...... just keep an eye on them for a couple of days....

[Serrateeth_2002]

You COULD mix them,with fishes that can handle them like plecos,barbs and fishes with short fins

[Serrateeth_2002]

Originally posted by Dangerdoll
The puffer wont take chunks out of the angel, they are merely fin nippers. As your angel grows, the problem should work itself out and the puffer will leave him alone. As a cichlid, this fin-nipping of your angel won't be tolerated for too long. Although, I'd still recommend moving him if the nipping gets overly-excessive...... just keep an eye on them for a couple of days....

Chunks of the angels fins is what i meant,not other parts.

[Dangerdoll]

The dwarf puffers only get to be an inch long max, tail included and aren't nearly as aggressive as the figure eights.... I still say they will eventually be at peace with your angels as mine are at peace with my angels...

[AsahiToro]

Here are a couple of links for the dwarf freshwater puffer:
http://www.rr.iij4u.or.jp/~kohda/en/en-dwarfpuffer.htm

http://www.pufferfish.co.uk/aquaria/species/pufferfish/types/tetrtrav.htm

Careful not to confuse them with larger/brackish/usually more aggressive puffers. The dwarf can sometimes be OK in a community tank, it depends on the individual puffer(s) and it's tankmates. Usually though they do better in a small group, species type tank. Mine love bloodworms and live brine. They won't touch flake or other dry foods. They get more aggressive if they haven't been fed in awhile. HTH,

Scott

[SammieSam83]

I am just worried because it looks like part of one of my angel's top fin has a chunk out of it. I am hoping my puffer will stop his antics, because he is a cute one. I ahve kept angel fish, gouramis and other types for a little over two years, but this is my first experience with a puffer.

[Dangerdoll]

They are rather cute, and are my favorites of the tank too..... I understand your concern though....... just keep an eye on the angel, give it a couple of days, I'm sure things will work themselves out.... ;)

[SammieSam83]

Ashai- Sorry if that is spelled wrong, but thank you for your reply, I found it really helpful! :) :)

[SammieSam83]

Thanks for the advice I hope so!