Porcupine Puffer Experiences

[SoloChromis]

Like many of us, porcupine puffers have always been one of those forbidden fruits that I plan on one day setting up a FOWLR around (maybe 6' 125g with some misc. damsels). So have any of you guys tried one out for yourself? If so, what was your overall experience and if you could provide some info on the following that'd be awesome...

* Tank size
* Filtration
* Fish/Invert/Coral/Algae tank-mates
* Aggression/overall temperament
* Life span
* Size he/she attained
* Feeding regime

... porcupine puffers are one of those fish that much like dogs or cats, have their own unique, individual personalities and quirks. Some end up being docile and puppy-like and some turn out to be holy terrors. So what was YOUR experience?

 

[gbdrywall]

i have a 120 mixed reef,full of snails,emerald crabs,cleaner shrimp.sps and lps,welcos,gorgornia,zoos.tank mates are a yellow tang,hippo tang,volitan lion fish,snowflake eel,pajama cardinal and two cinnamon clowns.my porcupine is the best fish in the tank! it absolutely loves seeing my wife,when she walks by the tank it goes to the top and spashes and then looks at her and follows her from side to side.he lets her pet him and even seems to ask for her to do so.its been a model citizen in my tank. definitely one of the highlights in my tank even though it has something going with my wife lol.we feed it octopus,krill and muscles,but he has ate a couple feeder fish i put in ther for the eel and lion fish.he was about two inches long when i purchased it and now nears four inches we feed every couple of days.i hope to have him for many years and am currently looking for a 220 tank

 

[alprazo]

I have a pair of striped burrfish. This was when I first moved them to the new tank. They stay close together all day. Wonderful! Personality, character and leave everything alone including my sharks. They are about 7 and 9 inches. Boredom in a smaller tank may lead to destructive behavior though. They are now in a 3000 gal. But we're ok in the 300.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Very cool alprazo!

 

[alprazo]

More info on the fish.

My son caught the smaller one two years ago, stuck out of water on a sand bar. The larger was caught this August on hook and line. They eat scraps from the sharks at least three times a weeks. They are very active. They will chase small fish like minnows but can't catch them. I avoid snails, they do go after a hermit crab, but can't get him either. They are everyone's favorite fish that visits. They follow your along the glass. Come to the surface to eat and allow you to pick them up. They swm right into you hand. They will bite a finger it you just put one in the water.

If you are considering a puffer, The striped burrfish is one of the absolute best.

 

[alprazo]

The larger one

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[o2manyfish]

They have great personality. Their eyes have blue glitter on the lens.

They are messy eaters so mechanical filtration would be recommended. I've only kept them in FO tanks. I've had them with all sorts of tangs, butteflies, eels and angels. I had 1 that would every other month or so eat a damsel. I always keep damsels in my tanks - for color and they do a good job of eating excess food. But I had one puffer that nailed them randomly.

I'm not sure what time of year they are available really small - like 2" getting them at that size and growing them up to 10"+ is enjoyable. They will follow you along the length of your tank.

Definitely one of the more personality filled fish you can get for a tank.

Dave B

 

[darlap]

So I have a question, I would like to know if it's safe to feed minnows or feeder fish to my saltwater puffers? I have a porcupine, valentini, and dog face.

 

[SoloChromis]

So I have a question, I would like to know if it's safe to feed minnows or feeder fish to my saltwater puffers? I have a porcupine, valentini, and dog face.

I know that feeder fish in general, but *especially* freshwater feeder fish (the cheapest, and most commonly available option) is not at all good for puffers, or really any saltwater predator. There are several downsides to this...

1. Feeder fish are usually bred, and kept in deplorable conditions compared to your own personal tank's standards, so it isn't uncommon for them to be toting around several diseases and parasites

2. Supposedly it's hard on their digestive systems. Other fish make up a very minute part of a puffer's diet in the wild

3. It can sometimes instigate predatory habits in fish that would normally be fairly docile. Once they start recognizing smaller fish as a food source they will often go after other smaller fish you may try to add later on.

 

[darlap]

We can not get our porcupine puffer to eat anything but ghost shrimp. We have tried everything and when I was getting ghost shrimp yesterday I seen feeder fish so I grabbed one and he scooped it right up so I was excited cuz he ate. So I thought I would ask about them.

 

[alprazo]

I have to agree 100% with solo chromis. Mine have lived with saltwater minnows and silversides before and may chase them, but typically can't catch them.

 

[pktech]

My experience was a little different as it was my fault - they are notortious for carrying parasites & disease. Only after I bought one & added him to my tank did I read this. QT, QT, QT! It passed on ich to my my 3 prized fish & eventually everyone died within a week. It ate like a champ & didn't appear to be bullied when I was around, but what a bummer. Not sure I'll get another. If you do, QT it for the sake of your tank.