Hello all, I've been doing a little bit of research and found that I have dwarf puffers and african butterfly fish within my reach. I was wondering if these two species would get along together say in a 20 gallon? Like perhaps if I had 2 butterflies and 3 dwarf puffers? Would the butterflies be too agressive towards the puffers? The only reason I ask is because I want both fish and they have very similar eating patterns. Thanks!
African Butterflies and dwarf puffers?
- Thread starter LiquidCucumber
- Start date
I think the dwarf puffers would be the problem. They usually cannot resist taking a taste of anything. I brought this to that attention of a fish store that had puffers in with an african knife. The puffers were nipping at the undulating fins. I think they would go for the butterfly's long fins.
I'd say nope. Especially with those long ventricle-like extensions on a butterfly fish and its delicate tail/pecs.
EDIT: Also, they really prefer to be solitary, and as teh only top-dwelling fish. Esp, in a tank as small as a 20g since they only use the surface areas, which is pretty small. Two would probably fight.
EDIT: Also, they really prefer to be solitary, and as teh only top-dwelling fish. Esp, in a tank as small as a 20g since they only use the surface areas, which is pretty small. Two would probably fight.
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Thanks alot guys! I really thought that the butterfly fish would be the problem... now I have to make the decision of which one I would rather have. Opinions? 
I'd say puffers, again because butterfly fish only use the surface of a tank - the real "size" of the tank is irrelevant to them. They only use the footprint of a tank. I personally say a 29g (depending on dimensions, but assuming standard) is the minimum for a butterfly.