Dwarf Puffer's Turned Super Timid

[BlackOsprey]

I got a dwarf puffer around last christmas that has lived in a 20 gallon tank. It used to be fairly outgoing, swimming up to the front of the tank and begging for food like a puppy, but lately it's turned extremely shy. Just one glance sends it scurrying to the back of the tank. I'm actually having a hard time feeding it because the other fish (6 neon tetras) snap up any bloodworms I toss in almost immediately.

I tried putting in artificial plants to try and make it feel more secure, but honestly it's even harder to find the puffer now.

Would keeping it in a 10 gallon tank by itself make it less timid? There're two kuhlis in there but I have a lot of nooks and crannies for them to hide in.

 

[Coradee]

 

[Krisonomo]

Kuhlis are fast swimmers, so it’s worth a shot. I’d probably stay near the tank to keep an eye on things just in case. Also, do you have access to snails? If so, they may be worth trying before moving your puffer. Some LFSs are more than happy to donate some of their pest snails.