Gsp Help! (spotted Puffer)

[sarahjane85]

Added two puffers to my species tank today. They are the only occupants. The one puffer is very active as he should be, the other isnt as balloon shaped as the other and his belly isnt as white. his eyes are active and he does swim about when i tap the glass, he eats a little too, but mostly he just sits at the bottom.
I only added them to the tank toay so im wondering if he'll improve. He's in FW at the moment as he was stocked like this.
Is it possible that he was 'bullied' by the other puffers in the store? he does have a nice chunk of fin missing.
Just wondering if anyone has had a 'lethargic' puffer come around before? or should i just take him back for a healthier one?
The water has been tested and all is as it should be.

 

[nmonks]

Is it possible that he was 'bullied' by the other puffers in the store? he does have a nice chunk of fin missing.

Yes, it is perfectly possible. Green spotted puffers can be territorial, though this varies. It's recommended to allow about 25-30 gallons per specimen. Juveniles will be more sociable, but still, you may find them occasionally nipping at one another.

Just wondering if anyone has had a 'lethargic' puffer come around before?

Usually when puffers become lethargic, especially when coupled with a grey belly and a loss of appetite, it's an issue with stress, water quality or water chemistry. In other words, the fishkeeper may be making a mistake. Review conditions, fix as appropriate, and then see if the fish recovers.

or should i just take him back for a healthier one?

Perhaps, but if your aquarium conditions aren't right, then the replacement is going to get sick as well. Do be aware that fish are often "off colour" for the first day or two after purchase.

The water has been tested and all is as it should be.

But is it? These are brackish water fish, and kept in freshwater tanks never do well. Even as juveniles, though they tolerate the absence of salt for a few months, you will still need to provided them with hard, alkaline water (10+ degrees dH, pH 7.5-8). The water must also be extremely clean, not a trace of nitrite or ammonia. Vigourous water movement is essential. These are not fish for small tanks with poky hang-on-the-back filters! Even juveniles will need tanks upwards of 30 gallons and equipped with powerful internal or external canister filters.

Cheers, Neale