Dwarf Puffer Question

[kristins1877]

I have kept 2 dwarf puffers in my panted community tank for quite some time with no problems. Sometimes they swam together but usually kept to themselves. Today I bought 2 more DPs and I notice that 3 of the 4 I now have are hanging out together, swimming together. I have read that they usually don't do that and will fight?

 

[stang1]

Although the tank is heavily planted, there is a good chance that you will encounter problems further down the line.
Mine lived in a community tank for three months before they attacked every fin on every fish in my tank.

 

[lokkochaa]

Although the tank is heavily planted, there is a good chance that you will encounter problems further down the line.
Mine lived in a community tank for three months before they attacked every fin on every fish in my tank.

It all depends on the fish from my experience, i had 3 before, 1 was a nightmare and i had to take him back, but the other 2 were as good as gold, unfortunately a few fish got too big and bullied them so they had to be moved

 

[stang1]

It does depend on the fish sometimes but it is still a risk. They can behave for months but it doesn't take much for that behaviour to change.
Personally, it's not a risk I would want to take.

 

[iSnail]

I have kept 2 dwarf puffers in my panted community tank for quite some time with no problems. Sometimes they swam together but usually kept to themselves. Today I bought 2 more DPs and I notice that 3 of the 4 I now have are hanging out together, swimming together. I have read that they usually don't do that and will fight?

My younger ones swim together from time to time, usually either when trying to avoid the bigger puffer or when I do gravel vac. It's quite normal for newly introduced DPs to swim together until they establish their territories.

I agree with what stang1 said. Dwarf puffers are very temperamental. Definitely not recommended for community tanks. Also, feeding is difficult since they are relatively slow eaters. Good luck.