So I was wonder if all of the puffer family actually do the puffing up thing or is that just a trait of some? Particularly do Dwarf Puffers do it and if so is it a common thing? 
Do all Puffers Puff?
- Thread starter TKOS
- Start date
It's a defining characteristic for the family. Some will seldom puff, while others do it with the slightest agitation (and this cross species lines--it's an individual's trait). Dwarf puffers will puff, to about the size of a quarter. I had one puff on my while cleaning--the curious bugger wouldn't leave the siphon alone, and got sucked up. Effectively blocked the siphon, had to wait for him to calm down and kick him out. Of course, this did not determine the bugger from 'helping' me siphon.
Deliberately causing a puffer to puff is bad news--it is very stressful, and uses a lot of energy.
Deliberately causing a puffer to puff is bad news--it is very stressful, and uses a lot of energy.
Thanks. That's good to know. I sort of wondered if it was just an aggression thing or a fear reaction.
It's a defensive reaction--they swell up to avoid being a snack for something bigger. In the case of the spiny puffers/boxfish, the spines become erect, and jab a would-be predator in the mouth. Had this happen as well--spiny boxfish spines are very soft and flexible normally, but turn into nasty prickers when puffed. Happened that I was holding the fish at the time--ouch!
Actually, I think his interest was motivated by his greedy gut--the snails tend to hide in the substrate when there are puffers around, and as I siphoned along, not only did I pull up tons of broken snail shells, every now and then I'd kick up a live one--a short-term condition for the snail.
rotfl i can't wait till i get mine!
PS how many should i get? i got a 10g 1CAE and 1 glass fish but i 'm going to get 2 more. i was thinking 2 DPs
PS how many should i get? i got a 10g 1CAE and 1 glass fish but i 'm going to get 2 more. i was thinking 2 DPs
2 should be fine. Make sure there are lots of visual breaks in the tank--plants, wood, etc. Try getting one male and one female, or two females.
I'll try to remember to bring in some pics I took of mine over the weekend.
I'll try to remember to bring in some pics I took of mine over the weekend.