Free to a good home - Starry Puffer

GreenSpottedPuffer · #1 04-13-2021, 10:11 PM

'Maui' is about 7-8". Eats clams, squid, shrimp, scallops, ect.

Long story but J&L sold me this guy as a Mappa Puffer. My mistake for trusting them. The fish was small and pattern was hard to make out. Anyways, awesome fish. Very peaceful, so much personality but going to get massive. They get listed at all kinds of sizes but after speaking to some people from the US who have kept them, most likely scenario is 28-36".

Sigh... way too large for pretty much any home aquarium so not sure what will ultimately happen with this guy but hoping someone who has something in the 400-500G range may be interested.

He will outgrow my 84"x30" tank within the next two years, I think.

I've grown very attached to this 'little' guy but I know I cannot keep him long term.

On a side note, I tried to speak to J&L about this but they refuse to answer me, which is unfortunate. I honestly had no idea about Starry puffers and I feel like they had a responsibility to one, not bring these in and two, if they do, find a suitable home. Thinking back on all this, I realize that I do think the person working in the fish room knew what he was because when I asked about the 'Mappa' puffers, they said there are no Mappa's but when I pointed this guy out, they said 'Ohhhh, yeah, THAT mappa, yeah...'. Sigh...

Dresden · #2 04-13-2021, 11:33 PM

Sorry to hear. Does the Vancouver Aquarium ever take over some people's larger pets?

e46er · #3 04-14-2021, 12:01 AM

ah too bad to hear.
unfortunately my tank is only marginally bigger at 80x36 or else Id take him

GreenSpottedPuffer · #4 04-14-2021, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dresden

Sorry to hear. Does the Vancouver Aquarium ever take over some people's larger pets?

It's actually been a little stressful, if I am being honest. I hate to think that his life is basically uncertain once he reaches a certain size.

I am trying to find a contact at the Vancouver Aquarium but so far, no luck. I feel like they may be more interested when he is a little larger but even then, I think it's a long shot. As far as I know, they do not take fish often, if at all.

If given the room to grow, he will be stunning though.

GreenSpottedPuffer · #5 04-14-2021, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e46er

ah too bad to hear.
unfortunately my tank is only marginally bigger at 80x36 or else Id take him

Yeah it sucks. Your tank is probably a little better for him but really in the end, you would just end up with the same problem I will have.

Dresden · #6 04-14-2021, 01:34 AM

Maybe one of the fish stores?

GreenSpottedPuffer · #7 04-14-2021, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dresden

Maybe one of the fish stores?

I don't know of any who have a display large enough. I figured I would start to ask now. I think this will be a long term project.

I am willing to figure out how to get this fish to a home that is out of town too, especially before he gets really large. I would cover the costs.

Dresden · #8 04-14-2021, 02:41 AM

Also possibly the Seattle Aquarium

Pluto · #9 04-14-2021, 03:26 AM

Fish Addicts in Langley have tons of huge tanks.. maybe give them a shout.

e46er · #10 04-14-2021, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

It's actually been a little stressful, if I am being honest. I hate to think that his life is basically uncertain once he reaches a certain size.

I am trying to find a contact at the Vancouver Aquarium but so far, no luck. I feel like they may be more interested when he is a little larger but even then, I think it's a long shot. As far as I know, they do not take fish often, if at all.

If given the room to grow, he will be stunning though.

I will reach out tomorrow to some scuba friends. I have a few that work/quite involved with the aquarium