Dwarf Puffer fish

Question
Hi Renee

Hope you are able to assist me.  I am currently looking for some Dwarf puffer fish.  I reside in South Africa and am totally frustrated as I have set my heart on these cute fish and cannot seem to get my hands on them.  Do you have any ideas as to where I can get them or why they seem to be so difficult to locate.  If I am not able to get them, what other options can you suggest as far a fresh water small puffers are concerned.  I am so downhearted at the moment as I have my tank set up with no fish as I am battling to come to terms with the fact that I cannot get these fish.  Am I wasting my time holding out for them or are they available and my LPS is not looking in the right direction.  I do not think I will be able to bring these in myself as there are permits that need to be in place, and as I am wanting these for myself, do not have a permit for importing fish.  Hope you are able to assist or point me in the right direction.

Regards
Rene

Answer
Hello,

There may be some factors such as importation rights, which effect their ability to appear in your LFS.  Could you request them?

I wish I knew the answer for this.  

I know there are freshwater puffers living in Africa, but they are highly predatory on other fish species and probably aren't for aquarium-life.

I don't want to guess.  What I would instead refer you to do is to ask your local stores to order one for you.  If they are able to do that, then they will.

I hope this helped.  I am sorry I don't have the answer for you.

Happy holidays.

Renee