Dwarf Puffer

[MatthewM]

I've got my tank and I have a cycled filter on it so I'm putting some fake plants and decorations in this weekend and getting my dwarf puffers in next week and I want to put otos in as mates so my question is should I add them first?

 

[maxwellag]

I've got my tank and I have a cycled filter on it so I'm putting some fake plants and decorations in this weekend and getting my dwarf puffers in next week and I want to put otos in as mates so my question is should I add them first?

What size tank is it? I wouldn't put any other fish with them unless it's more puffers. Dwarf puffers are very aggressive and almost always kill anything that is in their territory.

 

[phoenixkiller]

I've got my tank and I have a cycled filter on it so I'm putting some fake plants and decorations in this weekend and getting my dwarf puffers in next week and I want to put otos in as mates so my question is should I add them first?

Otos are a peaceful species and should not be added to a Dwarf Puffer tank. They also need groups of five or more. IMO it's not a good idea. Dwarf Puffers are usually pretty territorial and the best thing to do is have them in a species-only tank. That's just my opinion though.

 

[MatthewM]

Ok two agreeing opinions on it so I think its good advice! I had heard they co existed sometimes but if its not reccomended ill pass I guess!

 

[phoenixkiller]

Ok two agreeing opinions on it so I think its good advice! I had heard they co existed sometimes but if its not reccomended ill pass I guess!

It's just not too practical. I would have a Dwarf Puffer myself, but my dad won't let me have any more tanks lol. The good thing about them is that they do just fine in a five gallon tank, so that they don't take up too much space. Let us know what you decide!

 

[MatthewM]

I have a 10 gallon running so I'm getting two puffers but wanted somthing besides just the puffers you guys think a dwarf cray with banded claws would be ok?

 

[phoenixkiller]

I have a 10 gallon running so I'm getting two puffers but wanted somthing besides just the puffers you guys think a dwarf cray with banded claws would be ok?

As I said before, these fish are remarkably aggressive and a Dwarf Crayfish more likely than not get killed and/or eaten.

 

[maxwellag]

I have a 10 gallon running so I'm getting two puffers but wanted somthing besides just the puffers you guys think a dwarf cray with banded claws would be ok?

The only suitable tankmate for them is more puffers IMO.

 

[phoenixkiller]

The only suitable tankmate for them is more puffers IMO.

Yeah, these little buggers are mean even though they're tiny...

 

[BlaseMrNiceguy]

I had 3 in a ten gallon and I added 2 otos before I knew any better and lets just say I never found a body. Also I believe that one of the 3 has been killed too. Make sure you have lots and lots of hiding places for these little guys. I'm in the process of setting up a new planted 10 gallon to mace my puffers to I feel they would be more happy with a heavily planted tank as well as so will I because I won't have to do as many water changes. You need to do at least a 50% pwc a week because these little buggers are so messy.

 

[MatthewM]

Yeah I was going to do live plants but I don't want to buy a better light so I have a lot of artificial plants on the way along with a artificial mangrove root and a couple of cichlid stones so there should be plenty of hiding spots!