Dogface Puffer

[craigj]

My lfs is holding a 5" dogface puffer for me as we speak and had a few questions about it. First off, I know that they do not like to be in nets so what is the best way to get them out of the tank at the lfs and into my tank once acclimated? Also, what do they prefer to eat? Are they pretty hardy?

 

[grouperhead]

dogs are pretty hardy. they will eat lots. krill, silversides, squid, clams, just about anything. they are extremely messy eaters, so a good protein skimmer, filtration and strong powerheads are a must. dogs will mix well with most other agressive fish except other puffers. NEVER MIX PUFFERS! as for the net thing im really not sure, but there was a thread on it a while back that i can remeber, so do a search and see what comes up. bo

 

[craigj]

What do you mean when you say they're a messy eater? How much do you feed them at a time and how often?

 

[dlight692000]

i have a golden puffer, same thing as a dog almost, i used two 8 inched nets and put them together to do it. worked great and he didnt even puff up. if you want further instructions email me.

 

[pufferlover]

The best way to handle moving Puffers is to get a container (such as 1 quart ice tea plastic type) use it to herd the Puffer in the corner and get it with water in container. Puffers often will Puff in a net and the worse problem is if they Puff while out of the water then it is hard if not impossible for them to expel the air when put into the water and they float around helplessly. I always use this method and never had a problem. For my BIG Puffers I use a 2 Ouart plastic pail and do it the same way. It takes a bit of practice but it works quite well and is less stressful to both of you.
Puffers are messy eaters and they will act starved and eat and eat till they sink to bottom of tank. Never feed too much and when their belly starts to expand quit no matter how hungry they act. Also, vary diet as feeding them one thing like Krill all the time can cause their jaw muscles to lock up and they can not feed and waste away.
If you are into Puffers go to my profile or homepage and check out our Puffer club as a additional source of info on Puffers their likes, dislikes, disease, and feeding tricks. Enjoy your Puffer they are great fish to own.

 

[puppy]

a messy eater is a fish that shreads food and it goes all over the tank. or chops it up and spits it out..