sick puffer

[Dj Orion]

hey guys,
I purchased a new dogface puffer 2 days ago. The first day he was in the tank he was all good, he was eating and swimming with the other fish harmoniously. The next day he was no where to be found. I read that they were skittish when they are new in a tank, so I dismissed it and waited it out another day. Tonite I found the fish in the front of the tank. His face looked like Rocky Balboa's after a title bout. All inflated head with a drastic line of color and change, like he was wearing o hood on his head. It was breathing rapidly and its body looked like a sack of potato's all deflated. I am attatching photo's, please help me out, I wouldnt want this fish to die, or if its something I did, have it happen again. The tank has 2 other healthy puffers and 2 triggers, they seem to be uneffected at all. My specs are 75 gallon tank, fluval 404, super skimmer 125, uv, multiple power heads, lunar aqua light. thanks again.

 

[Awibrandy]

I hate to be the one to tell you, but it really looks bad for your puffer. I don't think he will make it.
What are your water para.? There is something seriously wrong.

 

[chazertis]

this is off topic but your dog face puffer kinda looks like a....cat? or am i just crazy?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

How long did you QT the fish for before putting it into your tank.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

that's a bacterial infection, I have yet to see one that far along come back especially when it's entire head is infected. The good part is that as far as I know whatever it is that causes that infection in puffers it seems to be exclusive only to them. Never seen tankmates or the rest of a system get it from them.

 

[Dj Orion]

ok so I took out the puffer and quarantined him. In doing so, he inflated with a little air (did not help the situation) And after a few hours, he had a trip up to the pearly porcelin gates of the toilette bowl gods.:dead1: maybe when he came into the tank he just didnt take the changes very well. I really have no idea what could have caused that to happen. All of the other tankmates are better than ever. Too bad, cause my Girl is all upset now and I gotta drop more cash on another one. Maybe i'll get a black one this time. Anyone have any experience with those?

 

[Dj Orion]

do you guys think that I should treat the tank for a bacteria problem? I can pick something up asap if you think its the problem. Please help!!

 

[KathyC]

No, you shouldn't treat the tank since you are not sure if you have to treat it, nor are you sure what the issue is or if it was exclusive to the one fish.

You shouldn't add a fish to a tank without putting it in a QT first either.
If you get another one, be sure to QT it for at least a few weeks before adding it to your tank!

When you move a puffer, you should always keep the fish submerged. You can do so by putting a tupperware container into the tank and submerge it, guide the fish into the container and then move him to the next tank and release him.

 

[thepudge]

Wow, my puffer has the exact same problem. Is there anything that can be done? Its about as far along...

 

[thepudge]

whoops! nevermind. Well he certainly didn't linger. RIP

 

[1UCKY]

ok so I took out the puffer and quarantined him. In doing so, he inflated with a little air (did not help the situation) And after a few hours, he had a trip up to the pearly porcelin gates of the toilette bowl gods.:dead1: maybe when he came into the tank he just didnt take the changes very well. I really have no idea what could have caused that to happen. All of the other tankmates are better than ever. Too bad, cause my Girl is all upset now and I gotta drop more cash on another one. Maybe i'll get a black one this time. Anyone have any experience with those?

I currently have a large black dog face puffer in my 180. I have had him for a year already. They are just as hardy as the white ones; keep in mind that puffers like a lot of swimming room. Never keep them together with other puffers (unless you introduce them at the same time-worked for me).