Characteristics of Asian (Leopard) Puffer Fish

Question
I just bought 2 Asian (Leopard) Puffer Fish about 3 days ago from PetCo.  The fish are acting funny, but I am not for sure if this is the way they are supposed to act.  They keep laying on the bottom with their heads facing down and have been caught on the air filter once.  I have 1 semi-big one and a small one.  Is this normal for these fish?  This is the first time that I have had this kind.  Any thing that I could find out....websites and etc.  would be good.  I just want to find out if I need to take them back to the pet store or not.  Also, I know they need fresh water salt.  Once it runs out do I give them more.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Joseph;

Something isn't right. Puffers are very strong and will only get stuck if they're sick. You might add some aquarium salt, but first make a 25% water change. Don't use table salt, only aquarium salt. Put in one teaspoon of salt per gallon of tank water. Ask the fish store if they used salt, and at what dose.

Salt never "runs out". It stays in the water unless the water is replaced. Make a 25% water change at least once a week for healthy fish and only treat the new water with the right dose of salt. For instance, if your salt dosage has been one teaspoon per gallon, add one teaspoon of salt for every gallon of water replaced. If you add water to the tank for evaporation, do not add more salt. The salt doesn't evaporate when the water does.

Here is a list of links to help you learn more about puffers in general. You will have to look through the lists to find your specific type;

http://puffernet.tripod.com/
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4742/puffer.html
http://www.thekrib.com/Fish/puffer.html
http://www.fishprofiles.com/profiles/list.aspx?term=puffer

In case you are dealing with 'new tank syndrome' too, here is a link to my article about that;

www.xanga.com/expert_fish_help

I hope they feel better soon.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins