Would Multiple Valentini Puffers Work In A Species Specific Tank?

JumboShrimp · Feb 4, 2020

As the title question asks, “Would Multiple Valentini Puffers Work In A Species Specific Tank?” I had two (2) together in a 6-foot tank (fish #2 happened to be introduced after #1 had been in the tank for months, incidentally), but this time I was wondering about 4 or 5 in something as small as a 30-gallon-long tank (FOWLR). As you may know, they barely max out at 4” head to toe (lol) and swim pretty ‘chill.’ Kind of like having 4 or 5 goldfish, if you ask me.. (lol). Thoughts?

Johniejumbo · Feb 4, 2020

I don’t know but sure would like to find out! I have one right now and it’s frikin awesome. Except for the whole “ now I am become death, destroyer of snails” thing.

JumboShrimp · Feb 4, 2020

(Mine enjoys a frozen Mussel once a day, cracked partially open with a nut cracker.)

Johniejumbo · Feb 4, 2020

JumboShrimp said:
(Mine enjoys a frozen Mussel once a day, cracked partially open with a nut cracker.)

Where do you get them?

JumboShrimp · Feb 4, 2020

Publix supermarket. (For photos, search my thread— “I serve my tank 1 Mussel a day)

lion king · Feb 4, 2020

I doubt it, one can barely play nice in a 30g. The reason 2 worked previously was one: it was a 6' tank; and I'm sure there were other inhabitants to distract from the 2 concentrating on each other. With 2 you may have also been lucky and got a male and female. I'm not sure how 2 females would act towards each other, but 2 males would not tolerate each other. I;m not sure if you can sex them, you may want to research that. In some species, females will tolerate each other, and even live harem style. If you find out how to sex them, you could try one male and a couple of females; I would not put more than 3 in a 30g.

JumboShrimp · Feb 4, 2020

Thank you, @lion king!

If you were shooting for some cool fish for a 30-40 gallon species specific FOWRL tank— something with a little ‘wow’— what would you go for?

lion king · Feb 4, 2020

I have 2x40 breeders and I keep a combo of dwarf lions and scorpionfish, if you are into those sorts of things. If sized appropriately you could do a wartskin angler and a dwarf lionfish. Scorps are hit and miss on the variety, little yellow spots are very cool and a trio would be happy in a 40 with a dwarf lion. The rhinopias is the holy grail if you willing to pay the price. You could also include a dwarf golden moray, another pricey fish. I thought about but never kept, a peacock mantis.