Fahaka Puffer - Brackish to Freshwater?

[StarLab]

We received a Fahaka puffer a month or so ago and is doing great! He is 3x the size now than when he came in. (loves his Krill and snails!)

I understand that these can live in Freshwater. The supplier had him in Brackish water, so when he arrived I kept him in brackish.

Just wondering if anyone had any experience weening them from Brackish to Freshwater? Is this a good idea, or should he be left in Brackish at this point?

I had a customer ask me what would be involved in switching him over, and sadly, I had to say, "Dunno" (I hate doing that! )

Any insight?

[Scuba Kid]

I don't believe the Fahaka is a brackish water fish anyway. I think it may occasionally be found in slightly brackish water, but it is typically a strictly freshwater fish.

[Puffer Pita]

Fahakas are not brackish, they are strictly freshwater. They get about 18" long and require a 125g tank. They grow approximately 1" per month for the first year.

It should be switched to freshwater as soon as possible. Best way to do this is by very slow drip acclimation using a drip line. Let me know if you need additional instructions on that.

Krill is not a good staple for puffers. It often causes constipation issues which can lead to death. There is a great article on food at www.thepufferforum.com in the library, and more information on fahakas in the PufferPedia (they are listed, obviously, in the freshwater puffer section).

[StarLab]

Huh?!? He seems very healthy and active in the brackish tank.

It's odd that the supplier would have them in Brackish if they aren't supposed to be. (This is a high-end dealer and I like to think they know what they are doing!)
Not to mention several references I looked at said "either, or"

If I do switch him over, I will likely convert him by just doing small water changes without replacing the salt. (He's alone in that tank)

Thanks, and don't stop replying. I love the input here!

[Puffer Pita]

Very few, including shippers and dealers, know much about puffers at all. Trust me, its not brackish. Or don't trust me, go to The Puffer Forum and ask them. They are neither "either" nor "or," they are freshwater. Many dealers, sellers, shippers, clerks, etc., think all puffers are brackish. There's a large LFS here that keeps all puffers in brackish, regardless of whether they are or not.

Switching by doing small water changes isn't a good idea. It can cause osmotic shock which can damage his health and even kill him.

[StarLab]

Well, I certainly don't want that!

I just finished reading an article which pretty much says what you are saying. So, I do believe.

Will look at moving him and changing up his diet in the next day or so. I have several empty tanks right now, so no problem that way.

Thanks again.

[Puffer Pita]

Anytime. Need anything else regarding puffers, I'm your gal.

[Yeahbut]

The Fahaka Puffer I received about a year ago was a tiny fella at about 3/4 of an inch. He now spans the width of his 55 gallon aquarium. 12 1/2 inches from tip of nose to tip of tail. He is kept in freshwater. Being that this puffer is out of Africa and is also known as a Nile Puffer, brackish is not necessary. Going from brackish to freshwater is as simple as not adding any additional salt during water changes. Just a couple of of side notes. This puffer will kill anything you put in the tank with it. It gets 18 inches long. AND if you haven't noticed already, has the personality of a puppy!~

[StarLab]

Actually, now that I think about it, this puffer was a replacement from the supplier for one that was DOA from the order before. I remember asking him about the water at that point too.

Perhaps improper water was the cause. I will be pointing this out to them tomorrow when I place my order.

This is surprising from this supplier. They have certified aquatic specialists on their staff. But like you said, "Many dealers, sellers, shippers, clerks, etc., think all puffers are brackish." Myself included.

* StarLab stands happily corrected! *

[Puffer Pita]

I just got one last weekend. He's about 2" long right now and he's in a 55g while I save up to get a 125 for him. Even at 2", he's got numerous scars from being in fights and his fins have bite wounds and danaged rays. They are really very, very aggressive critters.

[StarLab]

See! He's happy!



Not the best pic, he's actually darker than shown here.

[Puffer Pita]

Actually I'd say he looks stressed and doesn't look all that good. His color is off quite a bit.

[StarLab]

Like I said, the picture makes him look off-colour. No worries... will get him moved soon.