Keeping Tetraodon Mbu (giant Puffer)

[merlin2005]

Hi everyone

I'm really after some advice, I have just bought a 72"x24"x20" tank and originally had my heart on filling it with Oscar's and similar. That was until I stubbled upon the Tetraodon mbu (Giant puffer). Its fair to say I was completely taken aback by this fish's personality and looks. Ive read quite a bit about these fish from various sources and come to the conclusion, I'm having one.
From what Ive read, it appears this fish's temperament can vary from fish to fish, a bit like us really. I would really like to know peoples thoughts on keeping these magnificent fish.
Does anybody know if I could keep these with oscars?

Your comments would be greatly appreciated

 

[merlin2005]

 

[dthoffsett]

Unless you are prepared to provide it with a 1000gal (yes, one thousand) tank, mbu's aren't the fish for you. You might take a look at some of the other puffers available, fahakas in particular are very personable and a bit more managable as far as tank size.

And no, an oscar probably wouldn't last very long at all, the mbu would enjoy the snack though.

 

[merlin2005]

I thought that fahakas were extremely aggresive, Mbu being less so, also are you sure about that tank.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

the tank that you have is a bit small for a mbu (see CFC's pinned topic on tanks for monster fish) but could easily fit a fahaka. really, once you get past 12" in size, the dimensions of a tank are vastly more important than the strict volume.

while mbu are known as being relatively gentle, that's as compared to the other puffers. all puffers are inherently unreliable in terms of not biting so the general recommendation is "don't keep a puffer with anything you be sad to find eaten".

 

[Night_Market]

I have 2 Mbu's - one lives by himself beause he ate all his earlier freinds!, but until recently lived very happily with 6 silver sharks and blue tetras...

The other lives in a very peacefull community setup - because she is blind. But will still eat anything that will stay still enough for her to pounce on.

Just saw today a very aggressive Red Eye puffer and some spotted and 'other' puffers, (haven't found the names yet as the shop had no tag). All babies less than an inch long.

I wanted all of them, but the Missus says No, as I'd need 3 more tanks.

Basically though, as cute and interesting as they are - It's a lonely life that of a Puffer i'm afraid.

 

[DarkEntity]

I thought that fahakas were extremely aggresive, Mbu being less so, also are you sure about that tank.

Yip for a fully gorwn Mbu 500-1000 Gall is recommended. They like all Puffers are tempremental, its not a fish that should be sold in the trade imo. There are very few people even remotely equiped to look after one.

You would be better lookin at some of the smaller Puffers.