Puffer Tankmates

Raider0622 · Mar 17, 2020

Hello. I have a 10 gallon tank for my sharpnose puffer and I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions for possible Tankmates? I was thinking about an angler but I don't know if the tank is big enough? Thanks for the help!

Daniel@R2R · Apr 16, 2020

The angler will probably try to eat the puffer. Also, are you planning to upgrade? That 10 gallon won't be big enough for the puffer long-term.

tripdad · Apr 16, 2020

First things first...Welcome to the site! Sharpnose puffers are very neat fish, full of personality. Which exact puffer do you have? Their adult size varies considerably by variety. I would recommend a larger tank long term for it's health, say after it reaches 2 1/2' - 3" in overall length. They are compatible with most peaceful fish but will fight with aggressive fish and they can do serious damage. In that size tank it would need to be something small, like a goby, not just for size of tank but also for waste considerations. One thing most don't realize is that puffers excrete large amounts of waste so they tax your bio-filter more than some other fish. So factor that in. In short, they are great fish, enjoy!

Raider0622 · Jun 23, 2020

Sorry I am replying so late. I thought I would get a notification when someone responded but I didn't. I have done more research and your right. An angler definitely wouldn't work. Im pretty sure it's an Atlantic sharpnose. The only reason it's in such a small tank is because we got him (or her) for my community 30 gallon and he immediately killed 2 fish and severely injured another. I'd love to upgrade his tank, I just wouldn't want to have a big tank with just one fish(he eats snails and hermit crabs too). I just received a 75 gallon tank for my birthday yesterday so I do have a tank. Do you guys know if he might be fine with larger fish? Also, he seems to be doing fine in the 10 gallon right now. He just swims around and spots water out of the top. Thanks for the replies.

This is where I bought him: