How to catch puffer / how big qt?

[Mikemilly245]

So I know porcupine puffers are probably a contender for the easiest fish to catch ever in history, I’m more concerned about the exact tools to use.

I’ve heard if they leave water and inflate with air it’s certain death. How true is this ? If I just used a basket and scooped him real quick and put in right into a 5 gal bucket would that be okay? I hate the idea of having any fish out of water for any period of time but that seems to be the easiest. Or use a bowl and scoop him out contained in water the whole time.

My other question is would it be okay to house him very temporarily in a 40 breeder with minimal rock work. Just while this new tank gets plumbed and set up. Max 1 month he’d be in there. I’ll attach pics on lunch of the tank.

 

[AlyciaMarie]

@AydenLincoln & @ReefEngineer may be able to help! Ayden is a puffer pro, and Reef Engineer makes some pretty awesome tools for capturing fish.

 

[twentyleagues]

Depending on size clear specimen container or plastic pitcher work good. This is what I usually use.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Do not use a net as their spines can get stuck in it and it stresses them more. Instead use a bowl or clear container and make sure you try and keep him fully submerged in water the entire time as inhaling air can lead to problems. I just put a container in and Hewbie swims right in lol. They don’t automatically die if they inhale air but it is not good for them and if they can’t get the air out then it can lead to issues.

 

[ReefEngineer]

Porcupine puffers are a perfect example of why the FishScooper exists. The opening is significantly larger than a specimen container, so you’re not forcing a big fish through a narrow gap. A lot of users prefer it, specifically because it can handle larger fish without that restriction.


The long handle also matters. On deeper tanks, getting a container down far enough and at the right angle can sometimes be a little challenging. With the FishScooper, you can reach the puffer where it actually is, guide it in, and lift without chasing or cornering it. Another big advantage is that the fish stays fully submerged during removal. There’s no moment where the puffer is exposed to air.

We have a lot of customers who keep puffer fish and consistently use the FishScooper for this exact reason, there should be a few videos on the website and on our Instagram.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Porcupine puffers are a perfect example of why the FishScooper exists. The opening is significantly larger than a specimen container, so you’re not forcing a big fish through a narrow gap. A lot of users prefer it, specifically because it can handle larger fish without that restriction.


The long handle also matters. On deeper tanks, getting a container down far enough and at the right angle can sometimes be a little challenging. With the FishScooper, you can reach the puffer where it actually is, guide it in, and lift without chasing or cornering it. Another big advantage is that the fish stays fully submerged during removal. There’s no moment where the puffer is exposed to air.

We have a lot of customers who keep puffer fish and consistently use the FishScooper for this exact reason, there should be a few videos on the website and on our Instagram.

Except my big baby Hewbie is around and 12 inches isn’t going to fit in a scoop lol! He is a bowl and a bucket when I need to get him out!

 

[ReefEngineer]

Except my big baby Hewbie is around and 12 inches isn’t going to fit in a scoop lol! He is a bowl and a bucket when I need to get him out!

Hahaha for that beautiful fish you would need a mega scooper. The Fishscooper will be best for his babies.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Hahaha for that beautiful fish you would need a mega scooper. The Fishscooper will be best for his babies.

If only there was success breeding them in captivity. I would love to see a bunch of baby Hewbies swimming around but sadly has never been done successfully in captivity.

 

[Mikemilly245]

If only there was success breeding them in captivity. I would love to see a bunch of baby Hewbies swimming around but sadly has never been done successfully in captivity.

Mine has a high liter yellow dot in almost the exact same spot as hewbie… interesting haha

I think I will just use a big bowl but that fishscooper is sweet @ReefEngineer ! Consider me sold. I wish I would have had one for this move lol

 

[AydenLincoln]

Mine has a high liter yellow dot in almost the exact same spot as hewbie… interesting haha

I think I will just use a big bowl but that fishscooper is sweet @ReefEngineer ! Consider me sold. I wish I would have had one for this move lol

What is his name? Share photos please!

 

[Mikemilly245]

Mine has a high liter yellow dot in almost the exact same spot as hewbie… interesting haha

I think I will just use a big bowl but that fishscooper is sweet @ReefEngineer ! Consider me sold. I wish I would have had one for this move lol

What is his name? Share photos please!

Pair of scissors for size reference lol

Kinda hard to see the dot but it’s there… I wonder what that’s about??

Would you think just a month in a 40 breeder would be okay? Almost like a quarantine just while this new tank gets plumbed



Just picked up the 5ft bashsea sump for the tank today. I have not yet named him even though I’ve had him over a year. Lots of visitors have nicknames though

 

[AydenLincoln]

Pair of scissors for size reference lol

Kinda hard to see the dot but it’s there… I wonder what that’s about??

Would you think just a month in a 40 breeder would be okay? Almost like a quarantine just while this new tank gets plumbed



Just picked up the 5ft bashsea sump for the tank today. I have not yet named him even though I’ve had him over a year. Lots of visitors have nicknames though

Can you post it under white light? The specks in varying colors is there normal pattern. He has some growing to do lol!

 

[Mikemilly245]

Pair of scissors for size reference lol

Kinda hard to see the dot but it’s there… I wonder what that’s about??

Would you think just a month in a 40 breeder would be okay? Almost like a quarantine just while this new tank gets plumbed



Just picked up the 5ft bashsea sump for the tank today. I have not yet named him even though I’ve had him over a year. Lots of visitors have nicknames though

Can you post it under white light? He has some growing to do lol!

Oh for sure, I’ve had him since we was a little golf ball of a fish, growing fast though ! I will take a pic with a filter later after work. I wonder if it’s genetic or something else