questions about puffers

[rollntider]

I am not going to get a puffer, but have been asked by several people (they know I am a fish guy) and I am always asked about puffers and I dont know hardly anything except that it is best that they are in a species only tank and they are good if you have a snail problem.
Anyways one fo the questions I am asked frequently is about them puffing, when do they do it? why would they puff? and how do they puff? I would assume when being attacked or going to attack to fend off predators and also assuming they would suck in water to expand.....
I do like them and enjoy watching them but dont want to commit to the work they would require. I do want to give people some information that is correct. I do tell people to stay away from them until they are experianced enough to handle them.

 

[diVer]

when do they do it? why would they puff? and how do they puff?

Puffing is a defense mechanism used to wedge themselves into small places, such as rocks or a predators throat. They puff by inhaling water,or air if they are out of water.

 

[trout_pout]

when do they do it? why would they puff? and how do they puff?

Puffing is a defense mechanism used to wedge themselves into small places, such as rocks or a predators throat. They puff by inhaling water,or air if they are out of water.

I think they are quite cool, and enjoyable to watch!

 

[flyhockey1037]

a lot or people will tell you a lot of things about puffers. It is very hard to tell what is correct and what is not. There are some puffers that can only exist in a soecies only tank. Most people will tell you that there are none that can exist in a community tank. But the only way to really find out about puffers is to experience it. I have a dwarf puffer in my FW community tank and he is doing just fine. He doesn't take any more work than any of my other fish. I guess it just depends on the temperament of the particualr puffer you buy. I could've bought one dwarf and he probably would've tore most of my tank to shreads but luckily i got this mild mannered snail eater. Just do your research and know the guidelines but don't always be afraid to try something new when you get some experience.