Porcupine Puffer tank size question

[cslamar]

Hello all!
I was wondering if someone could give me a recommendation for the minimum tank size for a Porcupine Puffer? The tank would only be the one fish with live rock. I've read a few different answers, from 55 gallons (source: owner of a LFS), to 180 gallons (source: liveaquaria). Open to any and all opinions.

Thanks in advance,
--Chris

 

[MMacro]

I would say 180-200 gallons is a good size for them.

 

[SFish]

Don't listen to the LFS

 

[Sk8r]

And kudos for asking.

 

[Bent]

I don't think a full grown porky would be comfortable in anything under 250 gallons. Look up the size of those things on google images. They are listed at 1.5 feet long, but I think they can hit 2 feet easy.

 

[nereefpat]

Look up the size of those things on google images. They are listed at 1.5 feet long, but I think they can hit 2 feet east.

Agree with this. I've seen some at zoos and aquariums that had to be close to two feet long. It seems to me stores probably shouldn't stock them, but caveat emptor.

I would say something in the 8-10 ft x 3 ft, 400-500 gallons range.

 

[Bent]

I saw one in bass pro shops at myrtle beach that had to be freaking 3 feet long. Dang thing has to be 20 pounds. I could probably have shoved my fist in its mouth.

 

[fishchef]

All puffers require a lot of tank. I had a Gray Lined one, he was too cool. Almost too cool to be in a tank, very personable.

 

[Xxero]

I could probably have shoved my fist in its mouth.

:lolspin:

 

[Bent]

Pictures speak 1000 words:

 

[nereefpat]

Ha! You the crazy eyed guy in the middle?

Used to take care of one in a service account for a couple years. It was in a 180 and was probably only about 6". Was really smart and entertaining. Thing could really wolf down the silversides.

I've got them on my list of fish that shouldn't be sold along with panther groupers, iridescent sharks, etc.

 

[SFish]

W t f

 

[Bent]

lol I didn't notice the people when I posted that pic, but dang they might be the funniest looking crew of individuals ive ever seen.

 

[sde1500]

that is a serious derp face haha

 

[Greybeard]

I could probably have shoved my fist in its mouth.

You might wanna watch that beak in action first

All by himself, the 180 is probably good, though he might need to be rehomed at some point. I had a dogface in a 120 for several years before he started to get a bit cramped. Gave him to a guy with a 300g tank.

Great fish, neat personality... watched a 10" spiney spit about a gallon of water at his owner just the other day. Good aim, too

 

[SFish]

that is a serious derp face haha

:lolspin:

:uhoh3:

 

[SFish]

What about a Saddle Valentini Puffer or blue Spotted Puffer? Don't they stay smaller?

 

[MuShu]

What about a Saddle Valentini Puffer or blue Spotted Puffer? Don't they stay smaller?

The Valentini stays about 4 inches. I have one cruising my 55. He's pretty easy-going, but still funny. He spits water at me at feeding time, but has yet to realize that he can eat the crustaceans in the tank.

 

[nereefpat]

The Valentini stays about 4 inches. I have one cruising my 55. He's pretty easy-going, but still funny. He spits water at me at feeding time, but has yet to realize that he can eat the crustaceans in the tank.

Any corals in there?

 

[MuShu]

Any corals in there?

Zoas, duncans, GSP, and a branching hammer. All are fine. The clown goby has gone after the duncan tendrils though.