Reef Builders - The Source for Reef Keeping Information

Orcrone · #1 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 04:22 PM

Made a big mistake. My usual retailer was very low on inventory after Christmas, so I went to a different store. My wife saw a dog-faced puffer that she liked. The saleperson didn't seem to sure of herself at times, but promised me that it would not get too big for my 55 gallon FOWLR tank.

I have two clowns, a banghai cardinalfish, a royal gramma and a peppermint shrimp. I've seen different estimates for the size of this fish on the web, anywhere from 4" to 16".

How big will the fish get? The GM at the store already said he'll take the fish back after I called and explained the situation.

e_baer · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 04:41 PM

This site is almost always correct in the information they give.

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Arothron Dog Face Puffer

I would take him back to the store. They need a tank size of AT LEAST 100 gallons.

Orcrone · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 04:50 PM

Thanks for the info. I'll probably be returning him tomorrow

dori9941 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 06:39 PM

puffers eat shrimp quickly. i have 2 puffers and they will need much more room in the future. they have smaller puffers if ur wife likes them that much.

e_baer · #5 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 07:01 PM

yeah, if you are really into puffers, look into the dwarf species. Also, say goodbye to your shrimp and possible some of your fish if you plan on getting an aggressive tank.

dori9941 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-31-2007, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e_baer

yeah, if you are really into puffers, look into the dwarf species. Also, say goodbye to your shrimp and possible some of your fish if you plan on getting an aggressive tank.

right as always. Also, get ready to have a small tank to breed small snail. if puffers don't have them to grind their theeth on. they grow like hamsters teeth.

check this out;
SmPufferDentistry

Good advice above

My figure 8 will be in my care 1 year and he has never had a tooth problem. they just need snails or krill. These fish are remarkalbly like dogs ( to me) in the way they come running when they hear your voice and change color. they often let you know when things are wrong with the tank. My lfs has a kind of puffer that doesn't get larger then an eraser on a #2 penc. they are tiny and can be kept in a 1.5 g tank. Your wife would fall in love with a puffer.
It's hard not to