Stellatus Puffer Experiences?

[Stang408]

Hi everyone! I have a 2.5"-3" Stellatus puffer and was wondering if anyone can share their experiences with them. Mine was really light in color, as in these pictures, the first 2 days but now he often sits at the bottom of the tank and turns a dark chocolate color. Sometimes he will move around and lighten up but when I get near the tank he will sink to the bottom and sit there. Talk about a shy fish! How long will he act like this? Will he ever act more like a dogface puffer? I think I like dogface puffers a lot more. They're more personable and less shy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/MarcusK408/Arothron%20Stellatus%20Puffer/DSCN0516.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/MarcusK408/Arothron%20Stellatus%20Puffer/DSCN0511.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/MarcusK408/Arothron%20Stellatus%20Puffer/DSCN0509.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/MarcusK408/Arothron%20Stellatus%20Puffer/DSCN0512.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/MarcusK408/Arothron%20Stellatus%20Puffer/DSCN0508.jpg

[danorth]

I haven't owned one, but they are not shy once they get bigger, that is for sure. Give it time.

I did send you a pm though regarding your username.....

[LisaD]

dogface also stay a lot more reasonable sized!

is anything picking on it?

hope it comes around. looks like you have plenty of cover for it, but maybe rearrange or add some rock for a comfortable cave?

[Stang408]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14100187#post14100187 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LisaD
dogface also stay a lot more reasonable sized!

is anything picking on it?

hope it comes around. looks like you have plenty of cover for it, but maybe rearrange or add some rock for a comfortable cave?

Nothing is picking on it and there's plenty of hiding places. I'll just wait and see how he does.

[LisaD]

it's a nice looking fish.

I see that it is eating, but is it eating well? I don't have experience with this puffer, but it looks somewhat stressed, maybe even a little thin (hard to tell from the pics).

if on the thin side, have you considered treating for internal parasites or flukes?

[Recty]

Looks to me like he isn't happy about something, the continual tail tucked to the side means he is getting irritated by something.

It could be internal disease or external, or something in the tank bugging him that you dont see, I've had fish that only bite and pester other fish when I'm not in the room. I'd notice one was acting stressed so I'd go hide around the corner and just peek my head around to watch, and sure enough when I was gone the fish would be picking on the smaller one.

Anyway, I ramble. The tucked in tail is a sign something is amiss.

[Stang408]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14100600#post14100600 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LisaD
it's a nice looking fish.

I see that it is eating, but is it eating well? I don't have experience with this puffer, but it looks somewhat stressed, maybe even a little thin (hard to tell from the pics).

if on the thin side, have you considered treating for internal parasites or flukes?


He eats everytime I feed him and until his belly bulges so I don't think it's a problem. Maybe I should still treat for internal parasites or flukes just in case?

[reefer334]

He will get huge fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had one grow from 2 inches to 16 inches in a year!!!

I would trade him in now while you can or plan on spending a lot feed him and having a 3000 gallon aquarium.
I know there so cute or bad*** when they are small but these things should never be sold in our hobby.
I am very guilty for doing the same thing but if I had some one really tell me the truth from experience I think maybe I might have chosen a lot of fish I have owned differently.

Very nice looking puffer for sure but wait until he is 4 feet long and around!!! He may eat you, I would be scared of a full grown that is for sure.

Sorry if I spoiled your thread but just giving mt opinion.