puffers of any kind

[reef tank 2.0]

I read that puffer fish (regardless of breed) should be used with CAUTION in any reef tank since they will eat corals as well as any other fish that are fair game.

If that's the case, has anyone ever placed any of the puffer breeds in a reef tank and had positive results?

Id really like a puffer but i certainly dont want to revolve my tank around that one type of fish. I believe I'd limit myself on variety. I am going for a reef set up at the moment.

 

[SoloChromis]

Canthigaster (toby) puffers are generally safe with corals (although I have heard of the occasional rogue individual), but will typically munch on crabs, snails, shrimp etc. Due to their smaller size, they usually make better candidates for the average community reef tank setup, but other larger puffers (what you think of when you hear "pufferfish") will be alright with soft corals & some stonies, as long as your tank is large enough, the filtration is fully equipped to deal with their bioload, as well as being mindful of their potential to swallow smaller fish tank mates. I love puffers, and one day plan on setting up a macro algae/soft coral dominated tank for a porcupine (as well as other beefier fish). Just look at whether or not you prefer the little clean up critters scurrying around the tank and assisting in tank maintenance or the puffer. Good luck

 

[Stevenliu9]

I have a toby, it lives in my refugium right now. They eat any crustacean and would happily eat clams/snails when opportunity arises.

 

[reef tank 2.0]

I was afraid of that.........

sorry Mr. Puffer, but I need to pass you on by

 

[Lucky Lefty]

I have a 5 inch or so porcupine puffer who doesn't even look at my coral or my maxima clam. He's a great fish. Had him since he was a tiny little guy. I don't have any sps though, so yet to see how that goes.

 

[arashsheikhpoor]

each fish is a bit different.. so like Lucky Lefty said his doesnt touch coral or his clam but comeone else's will go to ton on either... I personally really like the toby puffer but would rather have my cuc.

 

[sarens]

they also love to chomp on anemones

 

[mgraf]

I love my burr fish, been reef safe so far, I guess we will see

 

[alprazo]

My burr fish I'd a model citizen too