Adding a new puffer.

[tyler1503]

Hello everybody!
Can I add a female Valentini puffer to my already established male? I understand that normally you can't reliably add a 2nd puffer to a tank with an already established puffer in it, but thought maybe if it's a male/female pair it could be ok?
I can keep them separated with a breeding net at first to keep an eye on aggression.
I'm not looking to try breeding them, I just thought 2 valentinis would be pretty awesome!
Any help would be much appreciated

 

[tyler1503]

Bump.

 

[ebushrow]

Usually doesn't end well, but if you are going to try, rearrange the rock work if you can, and I would suggest adding her into a qt box inside the tank so they can get used to each other .... Might get a clue of the reaction once she is in the general population as well...just my .02 cents

 

[tyler1503]

I might try that when I get my new tank going. I just have to find a decent sized QT box now.
Thanks for the input!

 

[tyler1503]

Has any one else had any experience adding a new puffer to an already established one?

 

[NC2WA]

ummm..risky....as I believe these type of puffers release toxins in the water when threatening and die, eventually killing everything in the tank....I would put them in a separate tank first to see if they get along...if it is like clownfish you will know fairly quickly...

 

[tyler1503]

Just a thought I had, what about the old photo trick people use to get their clowns to be hosted in anemones?
I could place a life size photo of a female valentini on the side of the tank and see if I get a reaction.
Knowing my luck it won't work though haha.

 

[Marshall O]

ummm..risky....as I believe these type of puffers release toxins in the water when threatening and die, eventually killing everything in the tank....I would put them in a separate tank first to see if they get along...if it is like clownfish you will know fairly quickly...

Not quite, you are thinking of a Boxfish/Cowfish I believe. Puffers have parts of their flesh that is poisonous if consumed, but nothing will happen if they die in a tank (unless it was bit or eaten by something, in which case they won't be doing too well!).