My new Valentini Puffer

[Dmitry]

I picked up my Valentini Puffer on Friday. Cute as a bug. When I acclimated him it was lights out in the tank, night leds were on. He swam around for an hour, occasionally the Yello Tang tried to body slam him, but he paid no attention. And then he started attacking my snails. I knew that would happen and figure he must be happy if he's hunting. But all day yesterday he spent hiding on the edge of the rockwork. Perhaps once all the other fish came out he was just hiding? Today he started coming out and swimming aroudn more, but quite slowly. And he won't really eat. Garlic soaked mysis - no. Arctic pods - no. Marine cuisine soaked in garlic - no. Mussels soaked in garlic - no. Krill soaked in garlic - took a few pecs and then stopped. He still occasionally pecks at the snails. I have a trap in the tank trying to catch my Purple Firefish and he keeps going in there. I put a piece of krill inside and he pretty much just ignores it. Should I be concerned?? I mean, I am. But should I be? Live ghost shrimp is pretty hard to come by in my area. H2O said they could order some, though. Would live brine shrimp perhaps help? And can brine shrimp be gut-loaded like ghost shrimp? Perhaps with cyclop-eeze?

 

[Zoous]

Nice fish. I would try to give some live food and see if that works.

 

[michael stern]

Dmitry,

I'd give him time. I would not recommend starting live foods. Once you go that route, you might have a hard time switching back. He's been eating garlic soaked (sometimes plain) mysis, every day for the last month. Give him a couple of days before you worry.

Michael

 

[Dmitry]

It'd be pretty easy to catch him since he's always inside the trap. Should I get him isolated and keep him alone until he eats? Or just let him be?

 

[michael stern]

who else do you have in there? Anyone harrassing him?
It's always best to leave alone, rather than moving again.

M

 

[marrone]

These small puffer are some what on the shy side, I wouldn't worry about it not starting to eat right away.

 

[Dmitry]

Nobody's harassing him. Although I did notice his top fin was a bit frayed. But they all swim next to him and nobody bothers him, at least not when I'm watching. I guess I'll leave him alone for now. He took a few bites of krill, so I'm a little relieved that he's got some food in his body. And perhaps he's been killing snails instead of just pecking at them when I'm not watching... :Thinking:

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Is the puffer reef safe?

 

[michael stern]

no

 

[zenfish]

Puffers tend to be very shy at first. It's been what? One/two days? Give him time.

 

[Dmitry]

Well, the good news is he's out and about swimming, looking around. Are Puffers quick swimmers or do they generally just glide around leisurely?

He's interested in food, chased some arctic pods around and nibbled at garlic soaked mussels. But didn't eat as much as I'd wish. But it's good that he's showing interest; I'll have to keep trying!

 

[michael stern]

Dmitry

Are you trying garlic soaked mysis? He used to inhale it.

 

[scarf_ace1981]

enjoy the little guy

 

[Dmitry]

Garlic soaked mysis was the first thing I tried. He didn't eat it then, but he ate it today! And then just to make sure I wiggled a vitachem soaked piece of silverside and he nibbled at that too. Here's today's pic and he's got a little tummy! :flower:

 

[michael stern]

hate to say I told ya, but:thrash:

 

[MightyMike]

he looks freakin' awesome

 

[michael stern]

Yeah, he's adorable. Still have his partner. Cute as a button.