compatibility of dog faces

[trailblazer]

I've got a 55gal, 4ft fish-only tank with just a dog faced puffer in it - they're pretty small for a puffer, right. I was thinking of adding one or two more fish that are similar, carnivorous, and won't cause too much drama. Any suggestions would be great, by the way. I've also got a 40gal sump, so the overall system is 95 gallons, which should give me some flexibility.

[zenoxa]

What's the size of your dog faced puffer - it's crucial in determining suitable tankmates. Morays, medium-sized wrasses, and triggers could work well, as they generally coexist with puffers. Most other fish also get along with them, provided they're not too small.

However, I do have concerns about your tank size. If your puffer reaches its full potential length of a foot, you'll need a contingency plan in place, such as a larger tank or a reliable rehoming option. If your puffer is still relatively small (2-4 inches), you've got some time, but its growth will eventually outpace your tank's capacity.

[trailblazer]

also looking for something that'll help with algae control, either a fish or invert that won't become a snack for my puffer, any ideas? thanx

[zenoxa]

While I'm not familiar with Arothron puffers, I think astrea snails could potentially thrive. Sea hares and lawnmower blennies might also be suitable options, but keep in mind they require a substantial amount of algae to survive. Considering your puffer's size, you might be able to get away with a standard clean-up crew.