Dwarf Puffers

[jessibell]

I was wondering if anyone here has kept them? I would EVENTUALLY like to try keeping them - maybe in a couple years once I have my own place, and after I get a little more practiced at keeping simpler fish. I understand they eat mostly snails, with small live foods. One of my teachers has a 20 gal tank that is practically wall to wall with small snails. I was wondering if one could set up a five gallon bucket with a sponge filter and heater and keep snails in there? Do snails need live algae - like the kinds that grows when you put your tank in front of a window? Or can they eat commercial foods? I know nothing about keeping snails but if I want to get puffers I guess I better learn! I'm just facinated by them - but I know it's over my head right now

 

[Zagz]

You can easily breed the snails in a 5 gal tank. I feed my puffers snails and frozen bloodworms. Dwarf puffers are an interesting fish and become quite friendly once they get to recognize you.

 

[jessibell]

Yes they look like very personable little creatures. I see you are in Saskatchewan - I guess this means they are available in Canada? Oh happy day! But I must restrain myself. I am going to university again in september and am limiting myself to bettas.

 

[Yolly]

I had south american freshwater puffers for number of years and I fed mine snails, frozen bloodworms and frozen brine shrimp.
They are awsome fish, they have quite the little personalities once they get to know you, I had mind eating out of my hand! Lots of fun to watch.
South Americans are bigger than the dwarfs, they are yellow and black with white bellies. Take a look at this site to find out a little more about personality and needs..
Amazon Puffer, South American Freshwater Puffer, Bee Puffer, Asell's Puffer, Brazilian Puffer Colomesus asellus

Looking forward to seeing your pics when you get them!!

 

[jessibell]

It probably won't be for a while - unless I stumble upon them somewhere and have a weak moment. I doubt it though. I'm trying to limit my "tanks" while at university to two - a ten and a five. I won't have the space for another tank with puffers and a another tank with snails