Puffer's in a reef???

[Reefdude5]

Hey, just wondering, can most puffers, (which are the ones with the amazing green eyes?) be kept in a mixed reef? Will they release toxins like boxfish when they die? Is that even a concern? How big/old do they get? Thanks!

[JennM]

Puffers are not reef safe. Some people have kept little Valentini puffers in a reef, but you cannot keep small crustaceans.

The ones with the "eyes" you are referring to are Porcupine Puffers - they are adorable with "smiley" faces, and lots of personality. Unfortunately they aren't good reef fishes, and they do grow to about football size or even larger.

They are a great FO fish though - I've got one in a doctor's office tank that I maintain, and he's a trip - the more the kids pound on the glass, the more "in their face" he is! When we pour new water into the tank following a water change, he swims up and tries to catch the bubbles in his mouth - he's just too funny.

Great fish, just not for a reef.

Jenn

[Reefdude5]

Dang, thanks Jenn! What's the minimum tank those valentine puffer fish can be kept in?

[JennM]

Valentinis can be kept in a 20 - they stay tiny.

All puffers can emit those toxins you mentioned, however I've not had any incidences of this (knocking on wood).

Do keep it in mind as a risk factor though.

Jenn

[USA reefer]

I kept a Valentini puffer in a reef tank for several months. Did not do much damage except like Jenn says about inverts.

[Electrobes]

Really?? I was considering getting a Valentini Puffer, but was worries that he/she might nip at the soft corals, and that my snails and crabs would be gone due to the puffer's presence?? I have a lot of LPS and SPS... think I could pull off having the cute little guy? Thanks!

[brifirst]

I kept a Valintine puffer. He used my clownfish as a 7/11. Whenever he was hungry he take a bite out of him.Nice fish,but not to be trusted.

[JennM]

It's one of those YMMV things. I had a Valentini returned because he was a bad playmate but most of the ones I've had/sold were model citizens for the appropriate settings they were purchased for.

Jenn

[clownfishcrazy]

I have never heard of puffers releasing toxins into your tank water. Maybe if it dies and starts to decompose it might release toxins. The toxin is in there digestive track, if it was in there muscle then people in japan wouldn't be eating it.

Valentini puffers have such a personality! I know someone who taught their Valentini to do tricks.

[Cosine]

I don't mean to highjack this thread. But I figured this question does apply.

In tanks with puffers and other small invert-eating fish what does everyone use as there cleanup crew?

[Electrobes]

good question, something I would like to know as well. I would hate to buy two cleaner shrimp just to see them disappear! If I were to get a valentini, he would be the only one in the tank... but would he/she eat all of my iverts.. especially the snails and cleaner shrimps??

[Reefdude5]

wait, so is there hope for valenine's in a reef?

[USA reefer]

Even though I had a Valentini puffer in my reef tank I eventually returned him because I wanted clams and a puffer is a no no for clams!

[Reefdude5]

Oh, well, shoot, clams are definitly in the plan! Are cowfish or boxfish the same requirments?

[clownfishcrazy]

You don't want to have anything in your tank that would irritate/stress them because they can release toxins that can wipe out your hole tank. I don't know about them nipping corals, but I do know they can spit water at you! Also there have great personalities too.