Puffer Curling Up Like A Little Dog

[TammyLiz]

I have caught my fig 8 puffer laying on the bottom curled up like he's a little dog or something. He did this once before, and I found him doing it again tonight. His tail was curled up next to him and his little eyes were looking around, and looking at me watching him. His color was very light while he was doing this. Being unfamiliar with puffer behavior I have no idea how to interpret this. Do they just "take naps" like loaches do, or is this a sign that he's really sick? I feel like this is such a dumb newbie question, sorry!

 

[Little Fish]

One of my F8s does that when it is upset by something; usually recovers within the hour. I heard that they curl up when they go to sleep also but my F8s always wake up before I do so I have not personally seen it. I think your F8 should be ok unless it does that all day long.

 

[TammyLiz]

Good, I'm glad to hear it doesn't mean he's dying or anything! He may have been upset about something, I don't know. He wasn't sleeping. Like I said, he was looking at me. Cute little things, aren't they?

 

[SirMinion]

Curling is a classic puffer symptom of stress BUT it's also how many species sleep or rest, including Figure Eights.
As long as he is feeding well and is a good colour I think that you have nothing to worry about.

Remember that they have no eyelids and even when sleeping are constantly looking for danger so they can look wide awake even when sleeping!

 

[TammyLiz]

He is eating fine but I am feeding him brine shrimp. Spoiled little brat. I don't think that will be his long term staple. Do you think he'll get used to it and refuse other things?
Is there a way I can keep them alive longer other than leaving them in a cup beside the tank? They're thick like soup in there and I haven't fed them anything. Or is that the way you're supposed to do it?
I know, I'm full of questions.