lostiniraq1976

Can it be harmful to a porcupine puffer to puff inside the water?

aquatic mouse

I've heard it's not good for them. That it stresses them out.

Cue PinkFloydPuffer!

pinkfloydpuffer

Did yours puff? When porcupines are young they will often puff up just for fun... If he was completely submerged the whole time, you're sure he's not ill, and water parameters are perfect, then I'd say he was probably just a bit bored and wanted to entertain himself

lostiniraq1976

I just added a damsel and a cromis. He has been chasing the damsel for awhile, the damsel has ran from him not being aggressive at all just running from the puffer. Could the puffer be stressed by his new tank mates?

pinkfloydpuffer

Yes, that could be it. How big is this tank? He could feel that his territory is being invaded, and is puffing up to look bigger and meaner to scare the little fish away.

lostiniraq1976

30 gal. he is still small I am saving for a larger home for him.

pinkfloydpuffer

Yep, then that's probably your problem right there. You'll really need to be careful with that tank, because just the puffer alone has enough of a bioload to overload that tank, even at a small size.

lostiniraq1976

Yeah I need a bigger tank, I bought the tank with the puffer already a resident. I turned my lights off and he seems to have relaxed a little. That is the first time he has puffed. Other than worrying me it was pretty cool, lol. I may find a new home for the others if he doesn't adjust soon.

pinkfloydpuffer

I'm glad you bought him and know he needs a bigger tank
Porcupines do look rather impressive when puffed, don't they?

lostiniraq1976

Yeah it was pretty impressive, I just hope it doesn't stress him too much. I have seen videos on youtube of people rubbing them so they will puff, that seems like it would stress them out to me.

pinkfloydpuffer

Yeah, I would definitely not do that. Mean people
I think he'll be ok, especially cause you turned out the lights for him

lostiniraq1976

Yeah he is back to his usual self now. Thanks for your help.