Gsp In Camouflage?

[babyduke]

Is it natural for GSPs to camouflage? Lately they have been situating on the bottom and they are so light in color resembling the sandy bottom that it's pretty difficult to locate them right away. Does this behavior indicate anything?

 

[DarkEntity]

What are the water stats, whats changed in the tank that would make a GSP sit on the bottom, something ive rearely seen....Its normal for lurkers but for active hunters like GSP id be looking for problems in the tank.

 

[Puffdaddy]

How long have you had the GSP's? Through my experience I believe some puffers will go through growing stages much like children and he could just be in a phase if you have not seen him in this behavior before. I have a pair that are more than 4yrs old. One of them never changes color and it's belly is always a bright white. The other one changes his color all the time. They both have very different personalities as well. Also sitting on the bottom is often common for puffers even the GSP. Both of mine sit on the bottom for long periods of time when no one is in the room, at night, and when lighting is dim.
I will stand just outside of the room where the tank is and poke my head inside and I can see them both sitting on the bottom. As soon as they see me enter the room they happily great me at the front and beg for food.

If you have any other concerns just yell.

 

[stmitch72]

I bought my first GSP about a month ago. For the first few weeks, her color remained consistent from the first day we brought her home. She has a favorite spot in one of the back corners of the tank where we have some grass growing. I came in one morning to feed, and was astonished and alarmed to see not my emerald green puffer, but a brownish-algae colored puffer! I immediately went into panic mode, but was pleased to see just a minute or less later when she went to the top for food, her natural colors returned before my eyes.

I have read many posts about the color change, some say it's the fish's mood, some suggest it is the water quality. I can say that Mrs. Puff consistently changes color like this, it appears to be a "chameleon effect" depending on what kind of background she is swimming in.

As a side note, she ocasionally gets black, sooty spots on her underbelly. I suspect this may be due to a deficiency in salinity. I am working to get that corrected gradually. This is a brackish tank, I knew going into this that salt was required, but I did start out low and am gradually working it up.

Anyone else ever experienced this?

Thanks for your comments.

 

[babyduke]

I did a major tank cleaning on Friday and since last night, they have been very active and are eating better once again. Perhaps the water quality wasn't as good as I thought.

 

[Puffdaddy]

Could have been GSP's are a very sensitive fish when it comes to water conditions (as with most puffers).
There water conditions should always remain perfect. You should be doing 33% water changes every week. If you are using gravel substrate and or decor it's a good idea to vacuum these weekly as well.

I'm just curious as to how many you got and how old are there?

 

[babyduke]

Could have been GSP's are a very sensitive fish when it comes to water conditions (as with most puffers).
There water conditions should always remain perfect. You should be doing 33% water changes every week. If you are using gravel substrate and or decor it's a good idea to vacuum these weekly as well.

I'm just curious as to how many you got and how old are there?

I have 2 GSPs in my 55G tank with sandy bottom. I'm guessing they are a little over 2 years old. 33% water change every week? Man, that's OFTEN, not to mention expensive (salt costs too much!).

 

[kanzaris]

Could have been GSP's are a very sensitive fish when it comes to water conditions (as with most puffers).
There water conditions should always remain perfect. You should be doing 33% water changes every week. If you are using gravel substrate and or decor it's a good idea to vacuum these weekly as well.

I'm just curious as to how many you got and how old are there?

I have 2 GSPs in my 55G tank with sandy bottom. I'm guessing they are a little over 2 years old. 33% water change every week? Man, that's OFTEN, not to mention expensive (salt costs too much!).

Hi
You think that's a lot of money for salt!!!! I do a 30% water change on my 150gal tank every week.
If you got the fish be prepared to spend the money.

Sabby

 

[DarkEntity]

Puffers require the money and time as they are huge waste producers compared to their size and require pristine water. If you cant afford the equipment why not take one of the Puffers to a shop and just keep the other that will lessen the waste and work/cash required by you to look after them.