Hey guys, I've got a dwarf puffer in a planted tank that's doing great and is happy, but I've been a little bored with the tank because it's in their all by itself and there's not much color besides brown and green. I was wondering what fish you guys would recommend mixing with this puffer. I've been thinking about neon tetras for some immediate color, but I'm afraid the puffer will nip their fins.
Dwarf Puffer
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why not get more DP's? in a 15G, you can add around 2 or 3 more. otos are a great addition, and shrimp if they don't eat them. DP's are not community fish so don't mix them with other species. they will most likely nip their fins or harass them to death.
I have heard of them working in communities before. you could try it, but I can't guarantee it will work. otos and shrimp are generally the only creatures they will not harass.
I was bored with mine for the same reason. I had decided to take them back to the pet store and put some kribs in their tank, but I got the kribs first just to see how they would do (ducking). Of course in this case the puffers were the ones who got harassed, so I did eventually return them. Just based on watching the puffers and kribs, I don't think any fish that will stand up for itself is going to be threatened by those puffers. Mine were total wimps. I know you hear they're pea sized killing machines but after they got snapped at a time or two by those kribs they stayed clear of them. I also had some decent sized ghost shrimp in the tank and the puffers left them alone. You might try some shrimp, just not so small that the puffer will eat them.
Dwarf puffers boring? Really? They have the most personality I've run across in a tiny package! They are constantly at the glass when I'm in the room begging and wanting attention.
I'd get some more DPs, you could have 4 or 5 total in a 15 gallon so long as you keep a ratio of 1 male and the rest females and the tank is heavily planted (fake or real). My DPs don't pay any attention to the otos, so those will work as tankmates. I haven't tried shrimp. I don't think I'd try any other type of fish with a DP, they are quite nippy even with each other.
I'd get some more DPs, you could have 4 or 5 total in a 15 gallon so long as you keep a ratio of 1 male and the rest females and the tank is heavily planted (fake or real). My DPs don't pay any attention to the otos, so those will work as tankmates. I haven't tried shrimp. I don't think I'd try any other type of fish with a DP, they are quite nippy even with each other.
No, I know they are great little dudes but I was looking for color. My puffer has a very neat personality, I love it. I actuallly had two and the one harassed, killed, and ate the other one. Pretty ridiculous. That's why I don't want to get more. I'm afraid the same thing will happen. Thanks for the input, I think I'll just let him roam around by himself. Maybe I'll get some driftwood and more plants.
DPs are good community fish when young, but like most all puffers, they grow aggressive as they grow older. They are almost always peaceful when young, but they will turn aggressive and nip other fish's fins. No matter how fast the fish is, the puffer will get to it eventually.
Since you don't want to add more puffers, why not buy a 5 gallon tank for him with a few plants and use your 15 gallon for something else? The puffer doesn't need that much room and you KNOW you want to add fish to that 15 gallon! 
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