My local fish store (LFS), Pickering Valley Farm and Feed, has a small saltwater section which I mentioned before. Typically, they have the run of the mill stuff, but every once in a while they get in something interesting. And, because they are not known for saltwater fish and coral, I can be pretty confident that the “interesting” thing will remain there for a few weeks for me to watch. Such is the case with a green spotted puffer fish. Commonly called a GSP, and not to be confused with the other GSP, green start polyps. This is such an interesting fish that I watched it for several weeks.
What is most interesting about this fish is that it is typically a brackish water species, starting in freshwater estuaries when young and then moving more towards a marine species as it ages. This particular fish, through only about 3 inches, arrived in saltwater and has thrived in such water for several weeks. Its a bit of a risk to add to a reef tank because it may choose to nip my clams and corals. It will certainly take out my snail and crab population, but I am okay with that. They are inexpensive and can be replaced on a fairly regular basis. So, after some research, I took the plunge.
And, so far, I have been rewarded. This fish has a ton of personality and is quite beautiful. It acts much a like a dog, hanging out in the back of the tank doing its thing until I arrive. Them it is right up in front and follows me back and forth. I really enjoy its playful personality and it has yet to bother any other fish, coral or clams. My only concern is that the black spots have become almost white now. They seem to change at will from black to white, but seem to be more white than black when I see it. I do know that they do change colors so I am not sure if I need to be concerned.
A sure sign of illness is if its belly turns from white to dark gray or black, which has not happened at all. I do hope that this experiment is successful because they are known to live for 10+ years and it is quite an eye catching and interesting fish.
Posted On: Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
Posted In: Reef Blog
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Comments: 12 Responses
How big does he get?
I think about 6 inches. I don’t think this is a very big puffer, but I will keep you updated!
how did the puffer end up working with your corals.
I currently have 3 GSP’s, and im in the process of converting it to full salt, I was wondering which corals I could introduce that the GSP’s wont nip at. also, any recomendations on cool tank mates? I have a 40gallon breeder.
I have to be honest, I have not seen my GSP nip at anything in my tank. It has been the perfect tankmate. I have a ton of SPS, LPS and softies along with a few anemones and its not bothered anything!
These fish are amazing and smart too. I taught mine to jump out of the water by holding a piece of krill slightly above the water. It is true they are exactly like a dog.
“They are inexpensive and can be replaced on a fairly regular basis” – ? Really? Sad.
Actually, I should amend this statement. My GSP has not touched any snails or crabs in my tank.
However, when I added four cleaner shrimp, it immediately went after one and took off an antenna immediately. I thought they were all goners and was regretting the loss, when something amazing happened. My other fish including the large powder blue tang, muscled between the gsp and the shrimp and protected the shrimp. The GSP must have figured it out because all four shrimp have survived for 6 months now and have peacefully coexisted with my GSP!
Are they fresh water or salt water fish?
Im thinking of getting a gsp is it worth it?
How did you acclimate him from freshwater to salt?
I didn’t. When I bought him he was already in salt. But, from what I read, they naturally migrate from fresh through brackish to marine as they age.
Those are some gorgeous photos – what a beautiful GSP! I really like the last pic the best.