Puffer Selection?

[lilacamy931]

I have just had a great brainwave (unusual I know ). Some of the fish I am wishing to rehome anyways so my thoughts are to transfer the cories into the spare current 17g which is perfect as I can provide a more natural sand substrate for them than they are currently on. My community tank does not work as it currently stands so perhaps with the thoughts of pufferfish this is the perfect time to get itchy feet and have a move around.

Thanks for the great species there Neale, what would I do without you to hel me biotopically? (Hope that is the right word).

May I ask one last opinion, out of irrubesco and SAPs what have you found more entertaining or loved perhaps? Unfortunately I only fixate on the SAPs as I considered these the first time around and they are the only ones of the choices seen in the flesh. So with irrubescos say a pair to ensure no aggression between rival males but other suitable tankmates. If was starting afresh and SAPs were involved instead what would be a comfortable number? Really appreciate you taking this time out to help me with species and decisions I have a new list from that above post to research thank you

 

[nmonks]

Personally, I think C. irrubesco is the more fun. SAPs are sort of like tetras or barbs, and bomb about the place looking busy. But while they are active and very pretty, they lack that intelligence that makes puffers special. C. irrubesco are much shyer initially, but once settled they swim about quite happily, even at the surface of the tank underneath the floating Indian fern. Because you have both sexes, and the males are territorial, you can watch their social behaviour which has its moments but rarely seems to be vicious. They become tame enough to hand feed as well.

I'd get two males and three female C. irrubesco for a tank your size. If going with SAPs instead, you could have three or four without any problems. Since SAPs are gregarious, they never show any signs of aggression at all. As stated earlier, they mix well together, so three of one species and three of the other might be viable.

Cheers, Neale

May I ask one last opinion, out of irrubesco and SAPs what have you found more entertaining or loved perhaps? Unfortunately I only fixate on the SAPs as I considered these the first time around and they are the only ones of the choices seen in the flesh. So with irrubescos say a pair to ensure no aggression between rival males but other suitable tankmates. If was starting afresh and SAPs were involved instead what would be a comfortable number? Really appreciate you taking this time out to help me with species and decisions I have a new list from that above post to research thank you

 

[lilacamy931]

Many many thanks! Just what I need! When I saw the SAPs they were pretty much like that blasting around. I will make it my goal to see these irrubescos when they arrive at the LFS (hope there is not a cancellation now). You have given me muchto think about. (And cant wait to see the latter species as that is one thing I love about the puffer species is that intelligence they have). Thank you very much, hopefully I wont have too many more questions to pester about and some wonderful pictures in the near future x

 

[jennybugs]

I just replied to your opm Amy and now see you've done what I suggested and got a response from Neale

I love the sound of 2 males and 3 females of C. irrubesco. That would make for a lovely addition

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks so much to the both of you (especially sharing your experiences with them). Im undecided but have plenty of time. xx

 

[lilacamy931]

Well scrap that, I have put a deposit on two irrubescos (only ones they got in and will be collecting Sunday) have asked for more. They are going to be £9 each unsure if good or not but they were absolutely adorable

 

[jennybugs]

Groovy! Male and female or two females?

 

[lilacamy931]

This is one thing, couldnt quite tell in the shop though going armed with my pics tomorrow, will bring them home to try out, have already arranged ith the store that i will be after more and that I may need to swap if they turn out more males than females

 

[lilacamy931]

OK peeps we have them and acclimatising slowly here they are:
Puff 1

Puff 2

They are gorgeous and hope to settle them in real soon

EEDIT: believe these are two males, awaiting more stock in to try get females will have to see how they get on if not one back to the store.

 

[jennybugs]

I think you're right there...two males. The second one is deffo a male. Keep an eye on them both but they are lovely!

They look like their bellies are sunken a bit so they either need a good few dinners or worming - or possibly both

I am jealous!

 

[nmonks]

Yes, both males, and I agree with jennybugs that they do need a little careful feeding to bring them into good condition. Nothing serious to worry about though. Try a bit of prawn or a small earthworm.

Cheers, Neale

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks both very much. The store that would be getting more from cant order male/female specific but they can get more in and can select from there. I did thin their bellies were a bit sunken but the tank they were in were with other pretty competitive fish so hoping some good feeding will do them good. Thanks for the recommendation Neale will ensure to give them some meaty foods (prawns seem a good one )

They are timid little things currently but know that will change drastically as they get used to their surroundings (and to watch them carefully).

 

[nmonks]

Prawns (like mussels) are good, but remember they're rich in thiaminase. Fine for fattening him up this week, but afterwards should be used maybe once a week otherwise vitamin B1 deficiency becomes a possibility. Choose thiaminase-free foods for their staple diet: snails, earthworms, krill, brine shrimp, cockles, and certain white fish (tilapia is cheap and easy to obtain).

Cheers, Neale

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks again Neale. They will have a steady supply of snails and have planned a wide range of foods to try them out and get them onto. As long as I can get their bellies looking healthy by the end of the week that would be great, then they have to start eating properly

Im still tempted by the SAPs but know I would have to swap one of the males currently so 2 females and a trio of irrubescos could be made. I dont know why SAPs tempt me, they are just so goofy and cute looking but I have seen them in the flesh and they just dont act the same way as other puffs.

One very very random thought could DPs be mixed with Irrubescos? Im unsure of teh Irrubesco behaviour until start to observe but think perhaps the DPs would be too nippy? Or perhaps be eaten?

Thank you veyr much for the great advice and guidance (I knew which foods to feed but not the reason why so that has been cleared for me now! )

 

[lilacamy931]

Well I only had bloodworm last night which both fed on. Today specially went for super giant raw unshelled prawn, cut it all up as these guys wont be eating alot. Only thing is unsure what best way to feed. One allowed me to hand feed near the surface until grumpy one chased him off. They sulked and so placed a bit of prawn near each of them, they allow me to almost stroke them with the prawn! I think perhaps invest in some tongs?

The two males have had an odd spat and go through many colour changes, they both seem to like one end of the tank which is typical I have installed more pots and caves today in hopes of enticing them away from each other, is there anything else I can do?

Lastly I have emailed every possible source that i can find and phoned to locate females. The LFS i got these from are getting more in but they cant guarantee females, I think there are going to be more males as there are more colourful..I am waiting on about 6 more sources as well as adverts up, if anyone has anywhere else I can try/email please do contact me. One problem I am finding is that certain places have the lortetis instead, I take it mixing females of this species would be a VERY bad idea, plus the stores that hold them usually cant identify them.

here are some pics
Puff 1

Puff 2

I notice 3 significant colour cahnges:
1. Moody dark body colour
2. A pale greenish colour (like puff2)
3. As above in Puff 1 striped

Do I presume this is different displays to others in the tank?