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I heard that puffers will nip fins. I know this applies to long-finned fish like bettas or guppies. I just wondered if the puffers fin-nipping would extend to bigger fish like mollies.

- Dj :88)

Yes it would. I've had success with keeping them with smaller gobys, but I believe that is only due to the fact that the gobys stay at the bottom of the tank and don;t get in their way.

I would not try them with mollies.

I agree, I kept puffers several years ago and found that they would pretty much nip at everything in the tank with them. I didn't try the bumblebee's though so wouldn't know there.

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

I just went on another website. They had a puffer in with long-tailed fish like bettas and angels. Now, I know this is asking for it because it was a freshwater tank as well. I was just wondering if it would make a difference if the puffer was well fed or not. A different poster said the puffer only nipped when it was hungry. Also, could individual attitude play a part in this? Perhaps I could go to my LFS a few times and watch the behavior of the fish before I buy them. My LFS will let you return fish. Maybe I will try it out, and if it doesn't work, I'll return the mollies. Do you think there is a chance if I take special care?

- Dj :88)

I've kept them with sailfins for a long time. F8s are generally mild.

That is a possibility, but also realize that their behavior often changes as they go from juvenile to adult. I know of quite a few puffer owners whose cute little nice puffer one day grew up and became terror of the tank! As a general rule, many puffers become much more territorial and often aggressive when they reach sexual maturity.

Figure 8s do tend to be milder mannered, though of course there are exceptions. You are welcome to try, just be ready to seperate them if the need should arise.

Edit- I forgot to mention, food sometimes plays a part, but more often than not, puffers nip just to nip. Well, that and they are always hungry, no matter how well fed.

Last edited by puffer_archer at 04-Apr-2005 22:50

I have a figure 8 puffer along with 3 zebra danios and a yo-yo loach. I don't think I've ever seen him nip fins.

Obviously, this could change after it gets older, but as of now, he's more intent on staring at me all day pleading for food. He's a cute little guy, but I always closely watch him for any signs of aggression.

I'd say if you wanna try the F8 with the mollies, go for it. The F8 is probably the only puffer that you could get away with. Personally, I don't see any harm in trying. My F8 may just have a good personality, but who knows. Just be ready to pull yours out at any time.

Good luck.

PA's right in that figure eights can become grumpy with age. Generally speaking, though, given the same enviornment with simila fish, you should be able to pull it off. Temperaments do vary, though.