Freshwater Puffer?

[atomicjade]

Hey everyone! This is my first post here. I just recently set up a small 1 gallon tank on my computer desk, it has a small filter, larger rocks as a substrate, and a set of small plastic plants. I have treated it with a product from Tetra that is suppose to balance the alkinity and pH levels. I bought a small puffer fish from WalMart, I'm assuming he is freshwater. He is about 1.5 inches, has a white belly, and some greenish blothces if you will, iridescence on the top of his head most notedly, but the pattern fades throughout the top of him. I haven't been able to ID him just from looking online. So far he is doing well, just seems a little spastic. I have been feeding him small grass shrimp. it is pretty cool to watch him "hunt". Anyway, I was just wondering if there is anything I can do better? I would like to put him in a bigger tank, but the spare 10 and 20 gals I have laying around just seem too much for just him, and I've heard puffers are not very friendly towards other fish. However I wouldn't mind putting him in a 10 if it's that much better for him. I'd appreciate any advice, links, or cautions anyone has to offer, it'd be very much appreciated!!

Also, I do not currently have the internet but my bf does, so he will check for responses for me and I may respond through him in the future.


Cheers,
Shannon


(I hope this is the best board for this topic...)

 

[andywg]

You would get a more knowledgable response on the Odd ball forum where most puffer keepers hang out.

The puffer sounds to me like it could be a South American Puffer, a Figure 8 puffer or a Green Spotted Puffer.

Of the above the SAP is freshwater, the Fig 8 light brackish and the GSP high end brackish to marine conditions. There are other possibilities as to the species as well, though without a picture such conjecture is far from beneficial.

I would certainly recommend bigger than the 1 gallon. If it isany of the above it will reach 2-6" in full length. The main reason for larger tanks for puffers is not their size so much as their sensitivety to water conditions. A larger tanks gives the stability required to keep the fish happy.