dogface puffer

[boozerell]

Well, I got a dogface puffer on friday. I orginally went looking for a porcupine puffer, but this one caught my eye. He ate really well in the store on friday and ate two little clams on saturday, today I offered him some shrimp which he took a couple bites of. I know it takes a few days to get adjusted, but was wondering how long it typically takes for them to get adjusted? He was exploring all over the tank yesterday, but tends to be hiding today, I figured this is normal. I was just wondering what everyones experience was with them when newly acquired?

There is a pair of clowns in this tank and I'm thinking about taking them out, because they are very protective of their corner. Yesterday the puffer was wandering all over the tank and they chased him from their corner. I'm wondering if this is why he's hiding more today?

 

[rayn]

While the clowns could harass the puffer, they should be able to hold their own. Mine ate after a few days of adjustment, now eats anything dropped in the tank. Hiding can depend on the time of day and lighting too. Mine is out more at night with the lights on rather then the day with the lights off.

 

[humaguy]

what kind of clowns? they could be harassing the puffer...

 

[rayn]

what kind of clowns? they could be harassing the puffer...

Good point. Depends on the type of clowns. I just assumed percs, but shouldn't have.

 

[boozerell]

They are tomato clowns and pretty big, as I have had them a long time. I'm going to remove them from the tank tonight and switch to a different tank. He came out more last night, it was just kind of strange because Saturday he was going everywhere and not so much now. My daughter noticed the clowns chased him, so maybe that's it.

 

[humaguy]

clowns can be insanely territorial and aggressive little monsters...hope pulling them helps the df to settle down...they are great fish with incredible personalities...good luck..

 

[Sweeper13]

I have had my dogface for about 3 months. He wanders the tank ,knows when its feeding time, but is still timid. I have 2 clowns that dont bother him, they seem to stay away. But the porc is the boss of tank.

 

[boozerell]

I got the clown out, so we'll see what happens. I fished them out with a barbless fly tying hook and a little bit of bait. Before I got them out I saw the puffer moving around the tank only to be greeted by the clowns as he approached their half of the tank. I'm thinking this was part of the issue. He his eating, so I don't think I need to worry yet.

 

[collegeman]

Removing the clowns was the best thing to do. I had a maroon clown that harassed my one spot foxface to the point he could only swim in half of the tank. I hope he does better now.

 

[mikezalewski]

Dogface puffer is one of my favorite fish. I would have one if they would not eat corals and inverts. If and/or when I set up an aggressive tank that will be one of my first fish! They just look cool.


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[jwm2k3]

Good job on removing the clowns. Let the Dogface settle for a couple weeks and he'll be strong. What are you doing with the clown(s)?

 

[boozerell]

I put the clowns in a 30 gallon aquarium that I had up. My original plan for this tank was to turn it into a seahorse tank, which I still want to do, but not real soon.
In the tank with the puffer is a yellow tail damsel, and an orchid dotttyback which I've had for years. As soon as the clowns were out of the tank they seem to not be hiding as much. The dogface is exploring, but still seems to like to stay in this cave like area in the rock work.

I did find a circular mark on the clown fish, that I'm sure came from the puffer. Hopefully everything will settle down now.

 

[humaguy]

cool, this should make a huge difference and the dog face should be begging for food and following you are before you know it! post some pics!

 

[Sweeper13]

The dogface likes to hide. Pic of mine chillin.

 

[boozerell]

Thanks for sharing the picture. I see you have a damsel in the photo, did the puffer bother it? Also saw that you have a dogface and porcupine..I thought you couldn't mix puffers? Is it okay to have them both?

 

[Sweeper13]

The puffers dont bother the damsels. The damsels get out of the way when the puffers get to close. The porc goes ape crap during eating, and has bitten the dogface while getting food. I try to feed the porc first so he calms down. But otherwise I havent seen the porc bother him at all.

 

[boozerell]

Well, I've got him taking shrimp from me. I use a pair of very long tweezers and offer the shrimp in the morning and evening. I also drop half a clam shell in the tank every morning. How much food should he eat a day? Still hides, but does come out, so I think that's getting better.

 

[Sweeper13]

Puffers will eat all day and all nite, and even go in the fridge when your asleep. I feed mine every other day really good. Don't get suckered into over feeding them. They like to give the sad face, like they are starving. Per your post it sounds like you maybe feeding him to much. You will see his belly getting big when hes had to enuff. Do some searches and see how much other members are feeding. Have fun..