I have Tetraodon schoutedeni, also known as Congo spotted puffers. I feed them ramshorn snails, which tend to have very hard shells. While some have moderately hard shells, others are quite difficult to break. The puffers typically crush the shells with their teeth. However, because I have three of them, they often try to swallow everything quickly to prevent the others from stealing their food.
I have noticed that they sometimes ingest hard, sharp-edged shell fragments. This concerns me, as I worry that such fragments could potentially injure their internal organs or tear their stomach lining.
So far, they appear healthy and have shown no signs of distress. Nevertheless, I remain uncertain whether a particularly sharp fragment might eventually cause internal damage.
Has anyone had similar experiences or insights into this behavior? Are these puffers physiologically adapted to safely digest sharp and hard shell fragments without harm?
Thank you.
I have noticed that they sometimes ingest hard, sharp-edged shell fragments. This concerns me, as I worry that such fragments could potentially injure their internal organs or tear their stomach lining.
So far, they appear healthy and have shown no signs of distress. Nevertheless, I remain uncertain whether a particularly sharp fragment might eventually cause internal damage.
Has anyone had similar experiences or insights into this behavior? Are these puffers physiologically adapted to safely digest sharp and hard shell fragments without harm?
Thank you.
