Puffers

[jeffopentax]

Hoping to get the "right" answer, but will probably get differing opinions, which is what I've found while scouring the net. Does anyone know if a porcupine puffer and toby puffer will be ok together if added at the same time? I've read "yes", and I've read "no". Thoughts?

 

[Big_Als_London]

Toby Puffers are A-hole and I wouldn't be surprised if it attacked the Porcupine. Now saying that I have not fully experienced how they would interact long term but short term the toby was a jerk and had to be moved to a different tank in the store.

 

[reeferkeeper420]

Yeah ive heard the same thing about tobys, really nasty towards tank mates.

 

[pulpfiction1]

I had a Toby once
ate my zoas like they were
popcorn

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[jeffopentax]

So now that we have all the "wrong" answers out of the way... Corals aren't really a concern. I only have a toadstool, mushrooms, palys, and a few heads of hammers. I ordered the puffers yesterday, should be here friday i believe. Should be the smallest fish in tank, so if they are assholes damage should be minimal if any. Hmm, lots of "should"s being thrown around! Fingers crossed...

 

[reeferkeeper420]

I hope they work out for ya!

 

[theyangman]

You seem to be asking a loaded question. The answer to most fish questions of "can x live with y" tends to be a mixed result.

Each fish will react differently and have its own personality, hence the muddy answers from even those who have had the same combo but there are so many extenuating variables (corals, tank size, rockwork, other tankmates etc).... Just like when people ask about equipment, no two setups are identical so it's a tough call to say the least.

best of luck though!!!

 

[jeffopentax]

You seem to be asking a loaded question. The answer to most fish questions of "can x live with y" tends to be a mixed result.

Each fish will react differently and have its own personality, hence the muddy answers from even those who have had the same combo but there are so many extenuating variables (corals, tank size, rockwork, other tankmates etc).... Just like when people ask about equipment, no two setups are identical so it's a tough call to say the least.

best of luck though!!!

I agree completely that there is never a definitive answer on fish compatibility. I've been fortunate enough to have what is generally thought to be incompatible tankmates get along just fine. Always helpful to hear other people's experiences though, such as toby harassing porcupine (which is the opposite of everything else I've read!), and a toby going to town on zoas (I thought only sps and inverts were at risk). Will post what happens should anyone be curious

 

[pulpfiction1]

I agree completely that there is never a definitive answer on fish compatibility. I've been fortunate enough to have what is generally thought to be incompatible tankmates get along just fine. Always helpful to hear other people's experiences though, such as toby harassing porcupine (which is the opposite of everything else I've read!), and a toby going to town on zoas (I thought only sps and inverts were at risk). Will post what happens should anyone be curious

simple google search of Toby Puffer and zoanthids had 1000's of hits,not all bad but tons of stuff about the subject

 

[jeffopentax]

simple google search of Toby Puffer and zoanthids had 1000's of hits,not all bad but tons of stuff about the subject

I did search for "toby porcupine puffer" as i was more curious about the two in same tank. I have very little coral so I'm not real concerned, but good to know for the future.

 

[AdInfinitum]

Best case scenario and they get along....you've got a whole lot of beak trimming in your future...enjoy...

Live whole shellfish and clams that they have to gnaw open will help a lot with beak wear but be prepared to deworm the tank regularily if you go this route and definitely treat with Praziquantal while in QT.

 

[jeffopentax]

Best case scenario and they get along....you've got a whole lot of beak trimming in your future...enjoy...

Live whole shellfish and clams that they have to gnaw open will help a lot with beak wear but be prepared to deworm the tank regularily if you go this route and definitely treat with Praziquantal while in QT.

Safe to say you don't like puffers?

 

[AdInfinitum]

Actually I kept brackish puffers for a long time...lots of character but a lot of work and little bastards temperament-wise.

A blue boxfish is as close as I ever got in SW.

 

[theyangman]

I want a cow fish.

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[jeffopentax]

Cowfish are cool, but too risky for me.

 

[Aquariums by Design]

We had a 3" Toby in with a 5" Porcupine for several weeks at the store and had no real issues. If we didn't keep the Toby well fed he would chase around the Porcupine somewhat but didn't do any real damage. I think that's the key, keep them well fed! I would say though that pound for pound the Toby was much more aggressive, he always got to the food first and commanded the tank more whereas the Porcupine was much shyer.

 

[jeffopentax]

Really is a crapshoot i guess! Hopefully they get along at least for awhile. If they don't, it will be the toby getting rehomed. Wife loves porcupine puffers. Happy wife happy life!

 

[AdInfinitum]

Maybe I should consider a porcupine for my fish tank...it might actually be something that the evil Sohal Tang can't kill. LOL

 

[jeffopentax]

Maybe I should consider a porcupine for my fish tank...it might actually be something that the evil Sohal Tang can't kill. LOL

If the toby turns out to be a jerk I'll sell him to ya. I haven't seen it yet, but was told it is a really nice one.

 

[AdInfinitum]

If the toby turns out to be a jerk I'll sell him to ya. I haven't seen it yet, but was told it is a really nice one.

Naw....When Sohal decides he doesn't like something he literally slices open their sides with his caudal spines. I was just thinking he couldn't do that with a fish covered in spines, but I'm sure it still wouldn't end well.