What makes a puffer incompatible with a reef?

[gkyle]

I keep reading that puffers aren't reef compatible, but I wonder if anyone has more specifics? If it's because they'll eat my shrimp or some other invert I don't keep, I'd like to have one. But, if they'll eat all my LPS that would be most unwelcome...

I'm specifically interested in the dogface puffer.

Thanks

 

[cloak]

I don't trust that beak of theirs. Can wreak havoc if they wanted to in a reef. FOWLR would be a safer bet. Even in that tank, I've seen them destroy smaller fish. Bits and pieces just floating around.

 

[phoenix]

As mentioned above, they can be destructiveto corals and they create a large amount of waste

 

[gkyle]

I guess I'll wait for that FOWLR then - thanks

 

[Zaita]

Puffers have to chew on rock and hard corals to keep their teeth down. Your corals would become like an endless food source for them

 

[gkyle]

That's not cool at all.... And they look so sweet and innocent!

 

[FishyMel]

I wouldn't trust a puffer with my large fleshy animals i.e. open brain. You could try a toby, they have been succesful on several occassions. You live in my hometown Dublin BTW.

 

[bureau13]

I have a Fiji puffer (i.e. toby) in my tank that ate most of my Nassarius snails, but leaves the coral completely alone.

jds

 

[Pacific Reefs]

I have a porcupine puffer that's been in my reef for over 3 years. He goes after the occasional snail or crab but he has left my peppermint shrimp alone. I try to feed him something meaty at least once a day and he comes out of the rocks when he sees me. I guess it really depends on the fish and feeding habits. He is very messy and to note he did eat my sand sifting goby the day after I added it.

 

[Stuart60611]

I have housed several tobys in a reef. They do not bother any corals, but they can and often do eat all inverts. If you do not mind not having any inverts, a toby will be fine with corals.

 

[gkyle]

Thanks - I'll check out the toby then. I can live without the inverts, most have been killed already.

 

[CassAttack]

I hear lots of different things about dog face puffers in particular- some are able to keep them in reefs and for some people it's impossible! specifically chewing up that $100 coral you just bought at the store I guess to be on the safe side FOWLR- good choice btw , i absolutely LOVE dog face puffers- they have so much personality!

 

[SDguy]

Some fun photos...