Stupid leopard puffer.... -_-?

Question

I have a leopard puffer and the guy at petco said that Tiger Barbs would get along with it. I got one that he pointed at and the puffer munched on him!!! What should I do?? What can I put with him??

Answer 1

It's not stupid leopard puffer, it's stupid Petco employee :(

For starters, leopard puffers are BRACKISH water fish, which means that they require some salt in their water (less than marine tank, but more than freshwater tank).

Second, puffers should be kept by themselves, always. They do not do well with tankmates (even other puffers) - they will attack or be attacked mercilessly. Leopard puffers are not very aggressive all around, but they will be much happier if kept alone.

It is possible, though, that this puffer was improperly labeled. Leopard puffers are often mistaken for other types of puffer, and vice versa. Please see this link to properly i.d. your puffer (the other puffers are freshwater, so it is important to know what you have)
http://puffernet.tripod.com/confusion.html

Good luck! Ask questions on fishforums.com if you need more help in setting up a nice brackish tank for the little guy.

Also, don't even listen to petstore employee. Sometimes they are helpful, but 90% of the time they are just stupid and unknowledgeable, just trying to make money. If you see a fish at a petstore that you like, write it down, come home, and research it before you buy it, to make sure you can / want to care for it.

Answer 2

Spenncer, please heed my advice and DO NOT consider buying any more pets of ANY species. You're obviously not prepared to take on the responsibility, since you have no clue as to their needs or more importantly, the environment they need to live in. I've never heard of anyone purchasing an aquarium fish and not knowing before hand whether or not it goes into a fresh water or a marine tank... I wouldn't be surprised if by this time the poor creature is already dead. One thing you were right about...you are oblivious.

Answer 3

i used to have two leopord puffer fish and i found the same problem. the shop told me they were placid and do no harm and between them ate seven of my fish! i now only have three left. they should definatly be kept on their own unless you want to lose any more of your fish.