All About The Saddle Puffer

Brock Leonard

29 Dec 201702:21

Summary

TLDRIn this episode, the host dives into the world of saddle puffers, a popular and intriguing species for aquarium enthusiasts. With a moderate care level, these peaceful creatures thrive in a 50-gallon tank with specific temperature and water chemistry parameters. They boast vibrant colors and are omnivorous, requiring a diet rich in shrimp, clams, and squid. The host also emphasizes the importance of iodine for their health and advises against using nets to catch them to prevent lockjaw, a serious condition in puffers.

Takeaways

🐡 The video is about the saddle puffer, a popular puffer fish species.
💰 Saddle puffers can cost around 30 dollars.
🏞️ A 50-gallon tank is recommended for these fish.
📉 Moderate care is needed for saddle puffers.
🐠 They are known to be peaceful, suitable for reef tanks with caution.
🌡️ Ideal water temperature for saddle puffers is between 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
🔍 Maintain a DKH level of 8 to 12 and a pH of 8.1 to 8.4 for optimal health.
🧪 Salinity should be kept at 1.020 to 1.0025 max.
🐟 Saddle puffers can grow up to 5 inches and have a preference for white, yellow, and tan colors.
🥗 They are omnivores and require a diet rich in shrimp, clams, and squid.
🦷 Puffers have a continuously growing beak that needs to be worn down by pecking at hard surfaces.
🈲 Be cautious as they may eat invertebrates like snails, shrimp, and crabs.
🪣 Avoid catching them with a net to prevent them from puffing up, which could lead to health issues.
🌊 Saddle puffers originate from Hawaii.
⚠️ Lack of iodine in their diet can cause lockjaw, a serious condition requiring intervention.
👍 The video encourages viewers to share their experiences in the comments section.

Q & A

What is the topic of the new episode in the video script?
-The topic of the new episode is about the saddle puffer, a popular puffer fish that many people are interested in learning about.
What is the approximate cost of a saddle puffer?
-The saddle puffer is priced around 30 dollars.
What tank size is recommended for a saddle puffer?
-A 50-gallon tank is recommended for the care of a saddle puffer.
How would you describe the temperament of the saddle puffer in terms of care?
-The saddle puffer is described as being moderate in care and is very peaceful for a puffer fish, although it should be kept with caution around certain types of corals.
What is the compatibility of saddle puffers with corals?
-Saddle puffers tend to do okay with Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals, but they may pick at Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals.
What is the ideal temperature range for keeping a saddle puffer?
-The ideal temperature range for a saddle puffer is between 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the recommended levels for DKH, pH, and salinity for a saddle puffer's tank?
-The recommended levels are DKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, and salinity 1.020 to 1.0025.
What is the typical size and coloration of a saddle puffer?
-Saddle puffers can grow up to about 5 inches and have a coloration that is typically white, yellow, and tan.
What type of diet is recommended for a saddle puffer?
-Saddle puffers are omnivores and should be fed plenty of shrimp, clams, squid, and similar foods.
Why is it important for saddle puffers to peck hard at something in their tank?
-It is important for saddle puffers to peck hard at something to keep their constantly growing beak from growing too much and potentially closing their mouth.
What is lockjaw in puffer fish, and how can it be prevented?
-Lockjaw is a condition in puffer fish where their jaw locks open due to lack of iodine in their system. It can be prevented by ensuring the puffer gets enough iodine, typically from their diet, such as shrimp.
How should one catch a saddle puffer without causing it to puff up?
-To avoid causing a saddle puffer to puff up, one should use a cup or a similar tool to gently catch the fish without using a net, which can stress the fish and cause it to puff up.
Where do saddle puffers originally come from?
-Saddle puffers are originally from Hawaii.
What should be avoided when catching a saddle puffer to prevent health issues?
-When catching a saddle puffer, one should avoid using a net and avoid causing the fish to come out of the water, as this can lead to the fish puffing up and possibly trapping an air bubble, which is harmful.

Outlines

00:00

🐡 Introduction to Saddle Puffer Fish Care

The video script introduces a new episode focusing on the saddle puffer fish, a popular species among aquarium enthusiasts. It discusses the cost of acquiring these fish, which is around $30, and recommends a 50-gallon tank for their care. The narrator mentions that saddle puffers are peaceful and can be kept in a reef environment with caution, especially around certain types of corals. The ideal water parameters for these fish are a temperature of 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, a dkh level of 8 to 12, a pH of 8.1 to 8.4, and a salinity of 1.020 to 1.0025. Saddle puffers can grow up to 5 inches and are characterized by their white, yellow, and tan coloration. They are omnivorous and require a diet rich in shrimp, clams, and squid. It's important to ensure they have something hard to peck at to keep their beaks from overgrowing. The video also warns about the potential for puffers to eat invertebrates like snails and shrimp if not properly fed, and emphasizes the importance of using a cup instead of a net to catch them to prevent them from puffing up, which can be harmful. Lastly, it mentions that a lack of iodine can lead to lockjaw in puffers, a condition that requires manual feeding with a skewer.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Saddle Puffer

The 'Saddle Puffer' is a specific type of puffer fish that is the main subject of the video. It is known for its distinctive saddle-like markings and is a popular species in the aquarium hobby. The video discusses various aspects of caring for this fish, including tank size, diet, and compatibility with other marine life.

💡Tank Size

In the context of the video, 'Tank Size' refers to the volume of water a fish tank should have to adequately house a Saddle Puffer. The script suggests a 50-gallon tank as suitable for this species, indicating the space requirements for the fish's health and well-being.

💡Care

'Care' in the script refers to the overall maintenance and attention required to keep a Saddle Puffer healthy in an aquarium. This includes aspects such as tank conditions, feeding, and compatibility with other marine species.

💡Temperament

The 'Temperament' of the Saddle Puffer is described as 'peaceful' in the video, suggesting that it is generally non-aggressive and can coexist with other marine creatures in a shared environment, although caution is advised with certain types of corals.

💡Coral Compatibility

The term 'Coral Compatibility' is used to discuss how the Saddle Puffer interacts with different types of corals in an aquarium. The script mentions that while they are compatible with LPS corals, they may pick at SPS corals, indicating a need for caution in coral selection.

💡Temperature

'Temperature' in the script refers to the water temperature that should be maintained in the Saddle Puffer's tank, which is between 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a critical parameter for ensuring the fish's comfort and health.

💡DKH

DKH, or 'Dissolved Kalkwasser Hardness', is a measure of the calcium carbonate saturation level in the water, which is important for coral growth and maintaining the health of marine invertebrates. The script specifies a DKH range of 8 to 12 for the Saddle Puffer's tank.

💡pH

The 'pH' level is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the water in the aquarium. The video mentions a pH range of 8.1 to 8.4 for the Saddle Puffer, which is slightly alkaline and suitable for marine life.

💡Salinity

Salinity refers to the salt concentration in the water, measured in parts per thousand (ppt). The script provides a salinity range of 1.020 to 1.0025 for the Saddle Puffer's tank, which is essential for mimicking the natural oceanic environment.

💡Diet

The 'Diet' of the Saddle Puffer is described as omnivorous in the script, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. It is recommended to feed them shrimp, clams, and squid to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients.

💡Iodine

Iodine is a vital nutrient for puffer fish, as mentioned in the script. A deficiency can lead to a condition known as 'lockjaw', where the fish's beak can grow to the point of closing its mouth. Ensuring a proper diet with iodine is crucial for the Saddle Puffer's health.

💡Lockjaw

In the context of the video, 'Lockjaw' refers to a health issue that can occur in puffer fish if they do not receive enough iodine. It is characterized by the overgrowth of the beak, which can impede the fish's ability to eat and may require intervention with a skewer to open the mouth.

💡Origin

The 'Origin' of the Saddle Puffer is mentioned as Hawaii in the script, indicating the geographical region where this species is naturally found. This can provide insight into the environmental conditions that the fish is adapted to.

💡Handling

'Handling' in the script refers to the method of catching and moving the Saddle Puffer. It advises against using a net because it can cause the fish to puff up, which may lead to the ingestion of air bubbles, a potentially harmful situation. Instead, a cup is recommended to minimize stress and prevent puffing.

Highlights

Introduction of a new episode about the saddle puffer fish.

Saddle puffer fish is a popular species among enthusiasts.

Part 2 of a double feature Friday episode.

Saddle puffer fish price range is about $30.

A 50-gallon tank is recommended for saddle puffer fish care.

Care level for saddle puffer fish is moderate.

Saddle puffer fish are peaceful and suitable for reef environments with caution.

Compatibility with LPS corals but caution with SPS corals.

Optimal water temperature for saddle puffer fish is 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

DKH levels should be maintained between 8 to 12 for saddle puffer fish.

pH levels should be between 8.1 to 8.4 for saddle puffer fish.

Salinity should be between 1.020 to 1.0025 for saddle puffer fish.

Saddle puffer fish can grow up to 5 inches and are more fat than long.

Saddle puffer fish have colors of white, yellow, and tans.

Saddle puffer fish are omnivores and require a diet of shrimp, clams, and squid.

Saddle puffer fish have an ever-growing beak that needs to be maintained.

Saddle puffer fish are native to Hawaii.

Saddle puffer fish may eat invertebrates such as snails, shrimp, and crabs.

Avoid catching saddle puffer fish with a net to prevent them from puffing up.

Puffer fish require iodine in their diet to prevent lockjaw.

Lockjaw in puffer fish can be addressed by feeding them with a skewer.

Closing remarks and sign-off for the episode.