Sharpnose puffer pregnant? – 09/02/08
Hi. My boyfriend and I bought 2 sharp nose puffers about 4 months ago from our local fish store. The owner told us to be careful because they might fight but seeing that they were so little and we had so much room in our tank (250 gallons), we thought this was unlikely so we took the chance. We put them in the tank and at first they were a little hesitant with each other but after a few hours they couldn't help but follow each other around. Now, 4 months later, one of them has a big belly and the other one looks normal. Her belly looks egg like-ish. We haven't fed them in two days (labor day vacation) so I highly doubt she's full. What would you recommend us doing?
<First I’d try to determine if your fish are adults at all. This means you need to know the species and how large it grows (e.g. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/tobies.htm or fishbase.org). Compare the maximum size to your specimens. Many fish are sexually mature at about half to 2/3 of their maximum size. If your fish are smaller or the swelling looks unsymmetrical or very large in comparison to the entire animal, this is more likely a disease. In this case you should try a marine wormer in a hospital tank, because such mostly unsymmetrical swellings of puffers can be induced by propagating nematodes, which sadly most often results in the death of the fish. If the swelling is not related to a disease my choice would be to remove the eggs or the swollen puffer into a separate tank, because puffer eggs are toxic to most animals that might eat them. Many tobies are algae spawners, so I would look at algae or rocks close to the bottom of the tank.>
I tried to do research on-line but couldn't find anything. Can you please give me any information on this fish and breeding.
<You did not let us know which species you have. Breeding of tobies is only known in detail of a few Canthigaster spp.>
Should we remove her or just let her be and see what happens?
<See above.>
Thank You. Christina.
PS. We also have a mappa puffer were trying to get rid of, he's just SO big (14inches) and we want him to have a bigger tank- any recommendations?
<Yes. Try http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/
A few weeks ago someone (Username Schlecht) was searching for a large mappa puffer and apparently had the appropriate means. Good luck. Marco.>

Sharpnose puffer pregnant? II – 09/03/08
Thank You! I appreciate it.
<Welcome.>
I looked at the information and figured out the two puffers are adults and they are (copy/pasted>>) 'Canthigaster papua (Bleeker 1848). Eastern Indian Ocean. To about four inches maximum length.' Here’s the pic they had online - looks exact!
We will remove her today, I am almost positive she is pregnant-
<That would be good news.>
I can send you pics of her and him if you'd like...
<It would be great if you could send a clear picture as an email attachment if your puffer agrees to be a photo model. I have seen swollen puffer with the afore mentioned nematode disease (unsymmetrical swelling) as well as pregnant puffers, so maybe I can be helpful with the diagnosis.>
Thanks again :) Christina.
<Cheers. Marco.>

Some Puffer Questions . . .
Dear Mr. Fenner,
I wrote to you a few days ago about "False Eye" puffers. After closer examination of Fishbase.org (great site, by the way, thank you for the link), I am sure that my puffer is a Canthigaster solandri. 
<Ah, good>
If you don't mind, can you tell me if this species has ever bred in captivity? 
<Not as far as I'm aware>
What is the normal lifespan of a sharp-nosed puffer? 
<A few to several years, depending on care>
Do they do better in pairs or as single specimens? 
<Almost always singly... though often found in pairs in the wild. Please see my "Puffer" group coverage on our website: www.WetWebMedia.com for pix and more information on Tobies... including the FAQs there... and the lead to other articles.>
What would be the minimum tank size you would recommend for a pair? 
<Sixty gallons>
I am sorry I have so many questions, but I can't seem to find anyone that seems to have any experience with this species. Also, you wouldn't happen to know any importers that sometimes get C. pygmaeus, would you?
<A very nice fish... only see it occasionally... You could put in a special request... with the specialty e-tailers of such livestock... like Marine Center... link on the WWM site>
Thank you so much for your help, Stella
<You're welcome. Bob Fenner>