Handfeeding Wild Puffers in Florida

[vitaly]

As I was snorkeling and looking a hermit crabs, I got the feeling that I was being watched. I was right. A group of local puffers surrounded me and demanded that I give up my shrimp. I had no choice but to feed them. These are brackish checkered puffers (Sphoeroides testudineus). They are very common to South Florida estuaries and canals.

 

[George_Daniels]

It's so cuteee

 

[deeda]

Great video as always Viktor!

 

[fishhead0103666]

Humans will try to pet anything.

Why did you have shrimp with you? Lure out hermit crabs?

 

[twentyleagues]

Cool looking puffer! Kinda like a fahaka but better pattern.

 

[Deadeye]

Adorable! I love the pattern too, like a fig 8 mixed with a fahaka!
They are better trained than my puffers…who are afraid of the tongs…

 

[vitaly]

It's Vitaly)))

 

[vitaly]

Humans will try to pet anything.

Why did you have shrimp with you? Lure out hermit crabs?

I was planning on feeding the puffers from the start. But I got interested in hermits first

 

[twentyleagues]

Humans will try to pet anything.

Why did you have shrimp with you? Lure out hermit crabs?

There's quite a few things I'm not willing to try to pet. Keeping it pg spiders are at the top of the list.

 

[xenacanth9]

Super cool