How To Raise Green Spotted Puffer Fish

Green spotted puffers are a wonderful and entertaining fish to own and enjoy. They are, however, not for beginner fish hobbyists. They need a large aquarium, at least a 200 or more liter tank. They are relatively aggressive, so choose tank mates wisely. Since they have an issue with their teeth, it's important that they be given shellfish from time to time to keep their teeth filed down. If you have a green spotted puffer or you are considering one, you will need to know how to care for it.

Things You'll Need

  • Large aquarium
  • Brine Shrimp
  • Small Snails
  • Fish tank filter
  • Tank light
  • Aquarium plants and decor
  • Brackish water or salt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase young green spotted puffers. Buying a young fish allows it to adapt to its environment and will give you a longer amount of time to spend with it. Look for puffers with a bright green fluorescent spot on their heads. This is a sign they are happy.

    • 2

      Get a fish tank that is big enough for the fish. They are small, but they need lots of space to themselves. If you plan to have other fish in the tank as well, make sure you get a tank at least 200 liters or larger, depending on the fish you want in there. Avoid other aggressive fish -- gourami, bettas, other breeds of puffer, and other aggressive or territorial fish will not be happy living together.

    • 3

      Place scenery in the tank. A typical set up is a large monolithic aquarium stone in the center (one with holes will give them spaces to hide or lay in), with plants of different sizes surrounding it. Puffers are very curious and interactive, so make sure they have plenty of space to explore.

    • 4

      Keep the tank clean, and monitor the fish regularly. Sometimes they will curl into a ball and lay on the rocks, which means they are sleepy or do not feel well. When they are curled up in this state, they may lose their spots and color. Do not be alarmed, as you'll find that by getting their attention they will wake up and their color comes right back.

    • 5

      Feed them frozen brine shrimp daily. They enjoy frozen varieties that they can attack and pull at. Green spotted puffer fish are omnivorous and will eat meats and plants, but tend to dislike most flakes or pellets. It is important to feed them small snails once every week or two. They have teeth that grow quickly, and the snail shells break down the teeth. Without shells, their teeth will get so long they can't open their mouth. If their teeth are too long, you will need to trim them yourself.