saltydog

I'm currently in the planning stage of a 90-gal FOWLR. I've owned a smaller FO saltwater tank and know the importance of the planning stage of stocking fish (ended up sort of stuck not being able to get what I really wanted due to incompatability last time). Right now I'm just trying to get a list of what fish I eventually want put together.

I really, really like puffers. However, I have four books here and have done lots of web research and I'm not finding a whole lot on their compatability with other fish (I don't really trust many of the "compatability charts" out there, either). Even here at Fishlore, which has been a GREAT resource for me so far, porcupine puffers are the only ones listed in the profiles and there's no dedicated forum for puffers.

If you own a puffer, would you tell me what other fish you have and give me some ideas of compatible fish? I also really like Ocellaris clowns. Would they be okay with a puffer? All I can find is that they often don't do well with "small" fish... Would a smaller puffer or a sharpnose/toby be OK with "smaller" fish (and if so, which ones)? How "small" is "too small"?

Also, if you can help me out with which puffer would be best, that would be great!

Thank you!

-Salty

Allie

pinkfloydpuffer

Puffers in general are very aggressive fish. They cannot be kept with any invertebrates, and small fish will be eaten. The best tank mates for them are large, fast swimming fish. I'm not familiar with all kinds of marine puffers, but I know that the porcupine puffer will often get 12-18" long, so he will need a very very large aquarium. Although alot just depends on the individual temperment of the fish, definitely never get tank mates that are small enough to fit into the puffer's mouth. And fish with long fins is also a bad idea. Hope this helped a little.