Puffer Problem

[ecotack]

I had a 4' tank to make use of and let the pet shop sort of talk me in to buying a Golden Puffer, 2 albino Oscars and a common Plec. They all went into an empty but established 3' tank while I set up the 4'. I wanted two Nigerian Puffers, but they said they where way to aggressive to keep with any other fish.

I have had them a week now and all was well, but the puffer was busy over night and gave the Oscars a fin trim. I dropped a couple of snails in before leaving for work, hopefully they will give the puffer something else to nip.

My 4' tank has new sand, gravel, external filter and has never been used for fish before. Do you think the Oscars and Plec will be OK to go in there now? The other option is to make a tank divider and leave the 4' tank longer.

Once my puffer is on his own, what other fish could i keep with him? Just more Golden Puffers?

 

[ecotack]

Got home this evening to see Oscars in a less than happy way. Oscars and Plec now in a 4' tank, Golden puffer on his own.

I think this is a case of lack of research on my part. The Pufferfish was probably hungry, because I was only feeding them catfish and guppy pellets. The puffer needs live food. I have set up the auto brine shrimp hatchery in the puffers tank and a standalone hatchery as well. I'll also get some frozen food and live food (if available) this weekend. The puffer didn't touch the snails.

As the puffer can probably only be kept with his own kind, if you see golden puffers for sale anywhere near Kendal/South Lakes please let me know. Even Bury/Bolton area will do, plus mail order. A 3' tank with 1 fish feels a waste. I'll post some more questions about the puffer in the relevant section.

Is there anything I should do for the Oscars? They are only just over 1' long, so fairly young, and don't appear to have much trouble swimming.

Also, my community tank is over stocked due to rampant swordtail's. Would putting the swordtail fry in with the puffer be considered cruel?

 

[-germ-]

Look up Timperley aquatics....
Its south manchester, give them a call, last time i visited they had a fair few species of puffer.
Give them a headbutt from me though, they are an awful LFS and don't care for their fish, so make sure you check the one you are buying well.
If they have one that is.

 

[syntax_error]

Feeding your puffer fry is solely your decision. Aquarists have different views regarding this. Check out the link below, I belive it'll be of some help.

http/www.fishforums.net/Feeder-Fish-Mini...ns-t148384.html