Hello, I was recently given a 2.5 inch fahaka puffer from a friend of a friend who should of never bought one in the first place, keeping it alone in a 10 gallon tank.... anyways I rescued the puffer and put it in a spare 30 gallon I had running with nothing in it, just wondering what to feed and what the growth rate should be on it? I know they get quite large from the research I've done. Also he looks a little bored in my tank I was thinking of buying it a couple tiger barbs to chase around is that a good idea?
New baby fahaka puffer questions???
- Thread starter anzo1993
- Start date
Okay first things first, start saving for a bigger tank! These things can reach 16" if I recall correctly, and fast. I've never kept one, but people recommend meaty foods like prawns and shellfish for puffers. They aren't always so big on pellets and hard shells will help keep the teeth down.
As for decor, puffers are intelligent and like to have stuff to explore and investigate. So wood, plants (real or fake) and rocks will work amongst other decor. Just stuff in the tank.
These puffers can pack a nasty punch as well, so I'd be careful with tankmates.
That's all I know, hope the other glamorous people here can help you!
As for decor, puffers are intelligent and like to have stuff to explore and investigate. So wood, plants (real or fake) and rocks will work amongst other decor. Just stuff in the tank.
These puffers can pack a nasty punch as well, so I'd be careful with tankmates.
That's all I know, hope the other glamorous people here can help you!
i had one of these beauties for around 18months and sadly lost him to worms from food I shouldn't have given him. be sure any food has been frozen before feeding or processed to insure parasites cannot be transferred. mine loved pond snails, freshwater crays and crabs, and hikari massivore. if you get them eating the only reason they stop is if they are getting sick, big pigs. tank mates are to be thought of as disposable, mine loved happily with a synodontis and ctenopoma, he ignored the bristlenoses for about 6 months and them one day took a big chunk out of two. they grow quickly in ideal conditions, ive heard an inch every month, mine was slower. however I don't think 30gal is ideal. it is best to have them in a 120g + from the day you get them to prevent stunting. as for bordem they are very intellegent fish and will interact and play with you once settled. check out the pufferforum.
You'll ideally want somethimg like a 180G for an adult fahaka...
Expect at least 1" of growth per month for the first year with healthy specimens...
Tankmates i really wouldnt recommend as they arent the friendliest and a 30G is way too small for a fahaka as it is...
So i would say if you have a larger tank great keep the fish, if not and you dont plan on upgrading sell / give it to a person with the proper setup...
As far as food you can feed hin while small clam meat / shrimps / pellets (good time to train him) and other foods...
I would recommend using a stick or something to hold the food with, that way he'll assosciate whats at the end of the stick with food...
I used to use my aqauscaping tools to feed my old girl when she was still around...
Also largest one grown here on MFK reached 18"
Expect at least 1" of growth per month for the first year with healthy specimens...
Tankmates i really wouldnt recommend as they arent the friendliest and a 30G is way too small for a fahaka as it is...
So i would say if you have a larger tank great keep the fish, if not and you dont plan on upgrading sell / give it to a person with the proper setup...
As far as food you can feed hin while small clam meat / shrimps / pellets (good time to train him) and other foods...
I would recommend using a stick or something to hold the food with, that way he'll assosciate whats at the end of the stick with food...
I used to use my aqauscaping tools to feed my old girl when she was still around...
Also largest one grown here on MFK reached 18"
Good luck with the puffer and also pls keep in mind they really shouldn't i hale air when you eventually move him...
So best would be to almost scoot him into a small tub or bucket using a net then removing your puffer with water to transfer into a bag or other contrainer for travel...
So best would be to almost scoot him into a small tub or bucket using a net then removing your puffer with water to transfer into a bag or other contrainer for travel...
hello, just thought id update you guys on the puffer I decided to keep him for now, i upgraded him to a spare 45 gallon I had lying around, i put 2 aquaclear 70s on it just to make sure his water is kept proper at all times, he hasnt grown much but i feed him a steady diet of frozen clams on a half shell, he loves them lol in the transfer he jumped out of the small bucket i had him in for second and was exposed to air, but he seems to be fine now, after a couple hours of being stressed, keeping the water at 27 in his new tank
hello, I had a question about feeding for this guy, its getting pricey giving him clam on a half shell everyday, I was wondering if anyone knew of any pellet options I can go with? maybe like a massivore delight pellets by hikari?