Puffer fish are carnivores. Most do best on a varied diet of snails, clams, mussels, shrimp and other hard-shelled foods, which help wear down their constantly growing beak-like teeth. How often you feed depends on the species and size, but most small freshwater puffers eat once a day.
Why puffers need hard-shelled food
A puffer’s front teeth are fused into a beak that never stops growing. Crunching shells keeps it trimmed. If the beak overgrows, the fish may struggle to eat and can starve. Offer shelled foods several times a week, and if the beak still looks long, a vet who treats fish can trim it.
What to feed
- Live snails: a staple for dwarf and many small puffers. Pest snails such as ramshorn or bladder snails are a common choice.
- Clams, mussels and cockles in the shell: frozen is fine. Thaw before feeding.
- Shrimp with the shell on: freshwater ghost shrimp or frozen krill and shell-on shrimp.
- Crayfish or crab pieces: for larger puffers.
- Frozen bloodworms and other meaty foods: for variety, especially for juveniles.
Avoid feeding only soft foods or only one item. A varied diet is healthier. Some puffers accept sinking carnivore pellets, but many prefer live or frozen food. See our guide to sinking tropical fish food for pellet options.
How often and how much
- Juveniles: small meals once or twice a day.
- Adults: usually once a day, or every other day for larger species.
- Remove uneaten food after a few hours, because puffers are messy eaters and leftovers foul the water.
Basic care
- Know your species. Some puffers are fully freshwater, while others, such as the green spotted puffer and figure-8 puffer, need brackish water as they mature. Check before you buy.
- Tank mates: many puffers are aggressive and nip fins. Many are best kept alone or with carefully chosen tank mates.
- Water quality: puffers produce a lot of waste. Use strong filtration, test water regularly and change water often.
- Hiding places: plants and decorations help them feel secure.
- Handling: puffers contain a toxin called tetrodotoxin, so never eat one, and wash your hands after tank work.
Not sure what else your tropical fish can eat? See what to feed tropical fish besides fish food. If your puffer stops eating, has a swollen belly or shows white spots, test the water and ask an aquatic vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
Bottom Line
Feed puffers a variety of live and frozen shelled foods, keep the water clean, and match the tank to your species. A good diet keeps the beak trim and the fish healthy.
