Puffer Tank-mates

j0hn rambo

j0hn rambo

Member
Alright I created a thread on the Fish Discussion board yesterday and it generated no responses, I couldn't figure out how to delete it so I'm sorry.
I will try to keep this shorter. I have a 125 FOWLR it's been running around 3 years and I've had a 12+ inch Stars and Stripes Puffer in it (only fish in tank).
I finally broke in and decided it was time to make an addition, I picked up a Green Bird Wrasse (6 inches right now). He is in a QT. Anyone have opinions on whats going to happen here? Is my bird wrasse going to get destroyed by the Puffer? I plan on creating plenty of caves from the live rock. Lastly anyone familiar with the color of a green bird wrasse? Mine appears to have dark brown areas throughout the head and body, I can't figure out if it's scarring or natural.
Thanks a lot
 
j0hn rambo

j0hn rambo

Member
haha no way, a reply! Thanks for the info. I guess only time will tell because he still has another week of qt. Anyone familiar with the green bird wrasse color? i can't figure out what the dark brown spots on him are. Also for my third and final fish I'm thinking some type of angel.. I would love to have an Emperor Angel. What do you all think? Would this combo possibly work?
Thanks again
 
srfisher17

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by J0HN RAMBO
http:///forum/post/2912498
haha no way, a reply! Thanks for the info. I guess only time will tell because he still has another week of qt. Anyone familiar with the green bird wrasse color? i can't figure out what the dark brown spots on him are. Also for my third and final fish I'm thinking some type of angel.. I would love to have an Emperor Angel. What do you all think? Would this combo possibly work?
Thanks again
There sure are no guarantees in this area, but an Emperor should do well. The only problem I see is that grown Emperors are very tough to ship and acclimate and some small juvis might be a tempting target for your puffer. A lot of what you can do depends on the personality of your puffer and the risk you are willing to take. Also, I think a 125 is probably too small for a grown emperor.
 
srfisher17

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by SYNJAY6661
http:///forum/post/2914209
No your bird wrasse will be fine because the puffers to slow to really do anything hes going to be fine
I agree, this wrasse should be fine. As to the Emperor: many folks might think a 125 is too small. I think its borderline, but OK. Big puffers see everything as food and a lot will depend on his personality. But large Emperors don't ship or acclimate well and are hard for most people to QT. A juvi may be an easy toy for the puffer. If you can find one that's "changing", say in the 4-5" range; I think thats your best bet. (Adults in the 5-6" range are available and may work too; I just think adult large angel species are tough to acclimate)) This is one of the many areas where the answer depends on how much risk you want to take. I take a lot of risk and would probably try it. It may help to put the puffer in QT for a while after you introduce the Emperor, if your QT can handle a 12" fish. (Puffers can be cramped a bit.) A great alternative would be my favorite fish; an Australian Harlequin Tusk, a wrasse, but should be fine with the bird wrasse.
 
j0hn rambo

j0hn rambo

Member
Originally Posted by srfisher17
http:///forum/post/2915602
I agree, this wrasse should be fine. As to the Emperor: many folks might think a 125 is too small. I think its borderline, but OK. Big puffers see everything as food and a lot will depend on his personality. But large Emperors don't ship or acclimate well and are hard for most people to QT. A juvi may be an easy toy for the puffer. If you can find one that's "changing", say in the 4-5" range; I think thats your best bet. (Adults in the 5-6" range are available and may work too; I just think adult large angel species are tough to acclimate)) This is one of the many areas where the answer depends on how much risk you want to take. I take a lot of risk and would probably try it. It may help to put the puffer in QT for a while after you introduce the Emperor, if your QT can handle a 12" fish. (Puffers can be cramped a bit.) A great alternative would be my favorite fish; an Australian Harlequin Tusk, a wrasse, but should be fine with the bird wrasse.
Thanks for the info Tuskfish. As far as acclimating an Adult Angel what do you mean? Are they hard to transition to the aquarium without death or disease? I think going with one thats changing as you suggested is a good idea, I'm going to add my Bird Wrasse soon and then look for an Emperor or Tusk. I actually was going to get a tusk but changed my mind at the last minute, they are really cool fish though. Any chance of the tusk or angel nipping at my puffer since he is slower?
 
tonysi

tonysi

Member
About the bird wrasse- males are green females are brown.Yours might be in its transitional phase from one gender to the next.
 
saltandpepper

saltandpepper

Member
Emperors are my fav. too! You would be good with a emperor for a while in that 125 gallon, but if they truly can get up to 16 inches in captivity, then a 200-300 gallon is needed in the least. I have never saw one over 12 inches myself, other than at a large public aquarium. Good choice on stock, I have a puffer too!
 
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