Valentini puffer and urchins (or other inverts)

[ahl]

Hello guys,

I am considering adding a Valentini Puffer to my tank. I've read a lot and, though puffers in general have a kick for inverts it seems that, as a smaller puffer, the valentini tends to leave them alone, but it is really a hit or miss.

I currently have a Peppermint Shrimp and a Tuxedo Urchin I'd hate to serve up as dinner since they have been with me from the begging of my tank (back in Oct 2017). I also plan in getting a pair of gobbies with a pistol shrimp.

What are my chances here?

Thanks!

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

The urchin will be fine for the most part but the shrimp will eventually be on the menu as the puffer grows. I would expect the urchin to get nipped at every now and then but I don't think the puffer would kill it.

The Valentine puffer I had would go after snails mainly and loved to eat favia corals.

 

[ahl]

The urchin will be fine for the most part but the shrimp will eventually be on the menu as the puffer grows. I would expect the urchin to get nipped at every now and then but I don't think the puffer would kill it.

The Valentine puffer I had would go after snails mainly and loved to eat favia corals.

Thank you for the quick reply! Did your's ate any of your shrimps?

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Thank you for the quick reply! Did your's ate any of your shrimps?

Mine never bothered the skunk cleaner shrimp I had at the time but they are behaviorally different from peppermint shrimp. I'd give it a 50/50 chance of going after the shrimp.

 

[Zack33]

I have a Valentini Puffer with a black long spine urchin, has been fine and I haven't noticed any picking. It has been about 2-3 months now.

 

[ahl]

Glad to hear. I have a bunch of those as well.

 

[AntimatterBlue]

I have a Valentini Puffer with a black long spine urchin, has been fine and I haven't noticed any picking. It has been about 2-3 months now.

My puffer has shaved my long spine black urchin to a buzz cut. Going to have to figure something out.