Multiple South American Puffers -- 2 Weeks On

[nmonks]

Folks,

Thought an update would be in order. Keeping SAPs in groups has (so far!) proved to a revelation. Instead of having a single, neurotic pufferfish torpeoding around the tank, I now have three puffers that hover about at the top in a group, begging for food. All three became hand-feedable at once, something I wasn't expecting.

There's no sign of nipped fins on any of the puffers, and they seem to be perfectly content to live in a group. The tetras and other fast moving fish seem to be getting on fine with them, as well, though there are occasional fights at feeding time. Only the Corydoras seem to be targetted, but they mostly hide away now anyways.

I'm getting the impression that a lot of the negative issues with the SAP compared with the Asian species have a lot to do with it usually being kept singly. It does seem a very nice fish when it has companions of its own species, even in a busy community tank.

Early days, of course, but I'll keep you posted.

Cheers,

Neale

 

[pica_nuttalli]

perhaps what we have always regarded as neurosis resulting from boredom is in fact a panic response to isolation... please, keep the updates coming!

 

[Pufferpack]

I keep a trio together with 5 Skunk botia's, they have been together for over 2 years now with no nipped fins at all. Prior to the introduction of the botias I housed my excess guppies with the S/A's, but the males always got nipped and the fry were actively hunted....only the females were left in peace. Once I get some more time for the fish tank (swamped with maintainence and repairs on a new house), I plan to add another trio to see if they will do more schooling (the current 3 only school at feeding time, the rest of the time they are busy poking around every nook and cranny).

 

[Bufo Bill]

Folks,

Keeping SAPs in groups has (so far!) proved to a revelation. Instead of having a single, neurotic pufferfish torpeoding around the tank, I now have three puffers that hover about at the top in a group, begging for food. All three became hand-feedable at once, something I wasn't expecting.

So pleased for you and your fish! Your experiment has really paid off hasn't it? Ooh, best not say that, It's bound to be a jinx!
All the best from Bill.