[heatherfish]

hi!!!

Help!!!! I have had my puffer Theodore for three weeks now. He hasn't really seem to ever adjust to my (55 gallon) tank. I do also have a Lion-Fish in there, but he really doesn't mess with anyone (two clown fish, three cardinals, and a couple starter fish from when I got my tank last year- i know I can't believe they have lasted this long! there are two anemones and one coral in the tank, but he hasn't even shown it any attention). Theodore doesn't eat, he doesn't investigate anything, he just hides. I have seen him eat a couple times (mysis shrimp only) and doesn't go for any krill or clams that I try and give him. I have tried everything, from hanging food from a fishline, proping it on a rock, holding it up for him, dropping it in from of him. He just hangs out hidden in the leaves and doesn't seem happy. I have noticed however that if I stay up a little later than the fish, he is a little more active at night, but i don't know the extent as I usually go to bed around the same time as the tank.

I am hoping anyone with knowledge about caring for one of these little guys can please give me some advice. I want Theo to be very healthy and happy!

Thanks!!
HeatherFish

[dendro982]

I had valentini puffer too, but it behaved as any other fish and had excellent appetite (although didn't eat the mussels ever, the krill and shrimp - only if they were cut to a small pieces). It should actively investigate every single bit of LR with growth on it.

Try to offer him food as frequent as possible - 3 times daily, he has to restore health.

If he eats mysis - offer mysis, Marine Cuisine, Formula 2 flakes, later - maybe Formula 2 pellets. Small pieces of Angel Formula, it's quite chewy. Dropping down small pieces worked the best, without dipping tools in the tank.

Try to find, what scares him - it could be tank inhabitants, oversized humans, or tank is in high traffic area. This puffer is inquisitive, but cautious.

In the evening it will go to sleep, just like you, only a little later.