Dwarf Puffer Companions

[axemanchris]

I have a 55 gal. tank with one Spotted Raphael Catfish residing in it.
I will be moving my 3 dwarf puffers (who currently have their own 10
gal. tank) into the 55 gal. with the catfish. I've just run out of room
and need to tear down the 10 gal. What other fish will do well with the
puffers? They seem to exhibit minimal aggression towards one another
and then only at feeding time. I know nothing with long, flowing fins
will do well. Also, they have been weaned from the brackish water to
total freshwater at this point (I've had them about 2 months). I would
like a pleco and perhaps some colourful fish (livebearers?), but am not
sure which route is the best to go.

TIA

Jacqui

[NetMax]

"axemanchris" > wrote in message
. ..
>I have a 55 gal. tank with one Spotted Raphael Catfish residing in it. I
>will be moving my 3 dwarf puffers (who currently have their own 10 gal.
>tank) into the 55 gal. with the catfish. I've just run out of room and
>need to tear down the 10 gal. What other fish will do well with the
>puffers? They seem to exhibit minimal aggression towards one another
>and then only at feeding time. I know nothing with long, flowing fins
>will do well. Also, they have been weaned from the brackish water to
>total freshwater at this point (I've had them about 2 months). I would
>like a pleco and perhaps some colourful fish (livebearers?), but am not
>sure which route is the best to go.
>
> TIA
>
> Jacqui

IMHO puffers are a PITA to co-habitate with others. Their environment,
size, disposition and upbringing (with or without other species) all
factor in to influence your success. Assuming you have true freshwater
puffers, look for thin fast cylindrical tankmates. During the day, their
faster motion will discourage the puffers to consider them as targets,
and during the night, they can rest in thicker foliage (where puffers
have poor manoeuvrability). Other tankmates which might work are those
which will exhibit a high level of awareness and self-defence, but will
not go out of their way to harasses the puffers. Most anything from the
medium-sized Apistos will do (ie: Kribensis), though these are generally
sof****er fish and I think even freshwater puffers are more inclined to
harder waters, so you might want to research this a bit.

If you have brackish puffers, Scats, Monos and Archers are often kept
with them (though not if they are dwarf puffers ;~). The Scats have the
'advantage' of being even more pugnacious than the puffers.

In general, puffers are cowardly (they attack from the rear) precocious
instigators, which belies their cute appearance and humorous manner of
movement. If you are a parent, think of the terrible twos, and you will
have a better idea on how to deal with puffers ;~). And yes, they can be
very personable endearing smart ... etc etc.
--
www.NetMax.tk