Fahaka

[demonmagus]

Hi, I've heard fahakas are like 'wet pets' so to speak, but are they anymore 'petty' than an oscar? Just wanted to compare because puffer = no tankmates but the oscar can have a fair few.

also, how would you describe its 'pet' ' abilities', what does it do?

also, are they quite active fish, a pink stripy lump isn't the most exciting thing lol


thanks

 

[DarkEntity]

erm....Its a Puffer not a silly dog that does tricks you know

Having said that most Puffers are intelligent. The Fahaka is no different. Just be ready for the tank size it WILL need when fully grown at just over half a metre. You are looking at the minimum of a 6x2x2 foot tank. On top of that you will need sand base and a serious filter as all Puffer are messy buggers when eating.

Foods you are looking at large Snails, Cray Fish, other crustacians all taken live by the fish.

They need perfect water and are badly affected by ammonia etc.


If you want some expert specialty advice on Puffers try the forum of the same name

 

[demonmagus]

lol at the dog thing - I wish


btw I'm getting a 180g but one inactive lump would be pretty crap tbh, hence the questions


oooh a riddle, I'll be back in an hour


thanks

 

[Fella]

6x2x2 for a fahaka is unnecessary. The maximum they grow to is 19" (and that is a maximum, not a typical size), and they're relatively inactive (in my experience). I keep one in a 5x2x2 and I've gone beyond the typical size, many people find a 4x2x2 is sufficient. What I would not abide by however, is keeping it in a small tank like a 55g and keeping it in that while it grows on. They grow very fast, until they top out around 13".

 

[jenny6165]

..

 

[Rocker]

I am afraid I have to disagree. I personally do not think any tank is too big. I have a 4x2x2 and I wish I had gone for a slightly bigger 5x2x2 because I would have had just about enough room. However given the choice and what I know now I would ideally of liked a 6x2x2 tank for him.
Mine is actice and uses the whole tank so I would have liked to give him alot more room.
Don't forget that many puffers, the lineatus included are often more active at night when all the lights are off.

 

[demonmagus]

hmmm, being active at night isn't what I'm looking for, looks like it'll have to be the oscar then

 

[mr williams]

hmmm, being active at night isn't what I'm looking for, looks like it'll have to be the oscar then

My mbu is active in dim lighting he doesn't like btight light though. I don't know if this has any bearing on your question.

 

[DarkEntity]

hmmm, being active at night isn't what I'm looking for, looks like it'll have to be the oscar then

I know someone who has a Fahaka thats active pretty much all day...Puffers are like humans imo, they are all different.

Imo a Fahaka is a far better choice, Oscars are 10 a penny

 

[demonmagus]

lol yeah its so annoying, 1 big puffer or loads of big fish

 

[Fella]

I am afraid I have to disagree. I personally do not think any tank is too big. I have a 4x2x2 and I wish I had gone for a slightly bigger 5x2x2 because I would have had just about enough room. However given the choice and what I know now I would ideally of liked a 6x2x2 tank for him.
Mine is actice and uses the whole tank so I would have liked to give him alot more room.
Don't forget that many puffers, the lineatus included are often more active at night when all the lights are off.

We'll have to agree to disagree, my fahaka is only really active in the evening. I've been awake till the early hours before and at night he sits in one corner and rests. My 5x2x2 is more than sufficient for him in the long term. If he was more active, then maybe I'd be convinced to upgrade, but I have to be realistic.

 

[Rocker]

Again, I don't think you can say any tank is too big.
Agreed we have our own limitations to consider but I do not believe there should be a maximum size tank on any species.

 

[Fella]

Again, I don't think you can say any tank is too big.
Agreed we have our own limitations to consider but I do not believe there should be a maximum size tank on any species.

I agree everyone should always provide the biggest tank with the best filtration that they can realistically house, and if you cannot supply the mimum then you shouldn't keep the fish.

I definitely wasn't arguing that point, stunting fish in small tanks is something that irritates me profusely. All of my tanks are unfiltered, and as big as I can realistically house.

 

[demonmagus]

well I'm not gonna buy the tank for the puffer, but I am buying a 6ft tank and was just remembering how awesome they are, I saw one just like Martha at wharf aquatics - someone bought it right there and then