MissMTS

I got a dwarf puffer about a week ago, who I named "Puffer" (I know, very original name). He is super cute, but I am having trouble figuring out how much to feed him. I know fish's stomachs are only about the size of their eyes, so I have been feeding him one blood worm in the morning and one at night. Is this enough food? It's kinda hard to figure out the propper amount, but I am afraid to overfeed him. Also, I have an oto in there with him. "Oto" (I know, another very creative name) is doing great, but he won't touch the algae pellets. There isn't algae in the tank, but there are a bunch of live plants. What do I need to add to his diet to make sure that he is healthy? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

Cherrry123

I have a spotted puffer and he/she eats flakes, an blood worms. Hope this helps. Sorry, I don't know about otos.

lilswimmer

Otos are schooling fish, so he may not be eating because he's lonley and depressed. Usually Otos need to be kept in groups of 3 or more, 2 at bare minimum. They also aren't very good at finding algae wafers, so you'll need to put it in the same place every time.

Another thing to consider is that dwarf puffers are very territorial and aggressive and become more so as they age. Eventually he will probably attack your Oto.

You might consider moving your oto to another tank and getting him some friends. That should fix the problem. Best of luck to ya!

sirdarksol

I agree with lilswimmer about dwarf puffers and tank mates. Dwarf puffers have been known to hurt fish many, many times their size. Some will do okay with tankmates, but it's a hit or miss thing, and every day is another day that the little guy might just decide that he doesn't like the thing that's invading his territory.

As far as feeding the dwarf puffer, you might want to start a planted tank (no filter, no heater) and breed pond snails in it. Drop a pond snail into the puffer's tank to feed it. These things are one of the dwarf puffer's favorite foods.