I want a puffer :(

[MichaelReefer]

I love puffers, and want one bad, I have heard such mixed opinions on if they are truly reef safe. That they can be from calm and relaxed to a killer maniac and destroy your reef tank.

Does anyone have any experience with a Toby?

I currently have mainly Zoas, a torch, a few hammer heads, and a duncan.

Fish wise, I have two clowns, a Goby, a fire fish, a dotty back, Carp. Wrasse and a Melanurus Wrasse.

How much of a threat do puffers truly pose on a reef? I appreciate any opinions.

 

[Old Fritz]

I can't say for sure with corals but I have ordered many tobys over the years (a lot of Hawaiian spotted puffers for the most part). They got along with everything including firefish and blennies. I believe one time I had leathers in with one because tanks were getting moved around and it left leathers alone. As for the corals you listed I have no first hand experience but have never heard of a Toby going after corals.

 

[MichaelReefer]

I can't say for sure with corals but I have ordered many tobys over the years (a lot of Hawaiian spotted puffers for the most part). They got along with everything including firefish and blennies. I believe one time I had leathers in with one because tanks were getting moved around and it left leathers alone. As for the corals you listed I have no first hand experience but have never heard of a Toby going after corals.

Ive just heard very mixed things. Again, some people say they are super nice and leave everyone alone, and others say they eat everything.

 

[Sashaka]

I think it depends on the fish. I've had several blue spot tobies over the years...all were model citizens. I've had several porcupine puffers as well. One bit the head off my flame hawkfish but the last one was a model citizen. Tobies stay small, so less chance of them going on a hunting spree. None of mine bothered my lps or softies. I didn't have any sticks in with them.

 

[TARHEEL78]

My girlfriend keeps multiple puffers in her tank and they leave her corals(all softies) and nems alone. They will murder any snails, crabs, shrimp etc out in the tank though. The 3 puffers all get along and are really friendly. They don't bother her angel, dottyback or cardinal either.

 

[mort]

Tobie puffers explore the world with their teeth, like a puppy would. This can sometimes mean they nip at corals but don't tend to eat them. I have one in a mixed reef and it only has a dislike to fungia which it nipped relentlessly and killed (I kept the skeleton and it's spawned a couple of dozen since so no worries). I think if you have your corals in before the tobie then you have a much better chance of success with corals but a slight sacrifice is worth it for their personality. They are also reasonably intelligent for fish which makes them great pet, so it's best to give them something to do, like forage for food, otherwise they get bored and are likely to be destructive. I add larger pieces of food to different places in the tank so they have to find them and then slowly eat them.
Completely agree that keeping cuc is hard with them but I've had valentini, leopard and now a honeycomb without much issue apart from the odd nipped fin of a tank mate.

 

[Sashaka]

Tobie puffers explore the world with their teeth, like a puppy would. This can sometimes mean they nip at corals but don't tend to eat them. I have one in a mixed reef and it only has a dislike to fungia which it nipped relentlessly and killed (I kept the skeleton and it's spawned a couple of dozen since so no worries). I think if you have your corals in before the tobie then you have a much better chance of success with corals but a slight sacrifice is worth it for their personality. They are also reasonably intelligent for fish which makes them great pet, so it's best to give them something to do, like forage for food, otherwise they get bored and are likely to be destructive. I add larger pieces of food to different places in the tank so they have to find them and then slowly eat them.
Completely agree that keeping cuc is hard with them but I've had valentini, leopard and now a honeycomb without much issue apart from the odd nipped fin of a tank mate.

One thing that has worked well for me is to keep large sized turbos as algae eaters. My tobies seem to leave them alone.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Is there a difference in temperament between a male and female?

 

[FishLipz]

Highly dependent on the individual fish. I had a Valentini that was like a loyal puppy and left everything alone. I also had a blue spot puffer that was an absolute jerk to everyone and I had to rehome. Still one of my favorite fish though

 

[Kaysea]

There is no way to visibly discern sex

 

[Jesterrace]

All are a gamble but if you are looking for your best chances of success of a Puffer in a reef the Valentini is probably the best bet and it's the smallest of the bunch. As mentioned they tend to be more of a threat to snails, hermits, shrimp rather than corals.

 

[MichaelReefer]

All are a gamble but if you are looking for your best chances of success of a Puffer in a reef the Valentini is probably the best bet and it's the smallest of the bunch. As mentioned they tend to be more of a threat to snails, hermits, shrimp rather than corals.

I ended up getting a Valentini. Hes been a good boy so far. Just killing snails.

 

[MichaelReefer]

This is Benjamin "The Snail Destroyer." (The lady names all my fish) haha.

 

[BeltedCoyote]

I’m actually planning on a valentini once I finally get my display set up. Love the little guys

 

[MichaelReefer]

I’m actually planning on a valentini once I finally get my display set up. Love the little guys

Hes been pretty well behaved so far. Very funny personality. Follows me all around when I walk past the tank. Hasn't touched coral yet, but has killed a few snails.