Odd skin problem on puffer

[thepudge]

Hi all, been awhile, but I have an issue with my stars n stripes puffer in my FOWLR.

A few days ago I noticed a black raised area on the back of my puffer, about the size of one of his eyes, perfectly round. It continued to raise, but not like a bump, more like a scab raises on an injured area. Yesterday, the circular area completely flaked off, leaving a circular area of pure white beneath.

Needless to say, this is odd and something I have never seen before. The white area has not spread, and the puffer's behavior has been totally unaffected. Eating fine, etc. No scratching.

What could it be? I don't have access to pics right now. Only other tank inhabitant is a zebra moray, pretty sure he's blameless.

 

[Domboski]

It sounds like black spot which is a parasitic worm. Hard to say for sure without pics but at least you can start searching "black spot" and see if you think it is a possiblity.

 

[thepudge]

Thanks! Its not black spot, I don't think. There's only a single area, and its about the size of a shirt-button. Looks like black spot (the one I am finding online) is much smaller.

 

[Domboski]

Ok well my next guess would be some type of parasitic isopod. I'm shooting in the dark here without a pic though. I have some time to do some research right now so I'll see what I can come up with.

 

[Domboski]

Check these pics out:

http://www.poliza.de/starship/sciencenew/images/PICT0072.JPG

http://www.aquatouch.com/Isopod_macro.JPG

I'm going with some sort of parasite (maybe even a leach?). Without a picture it is going to be impossible. Keep your eye on your other fish and see if something similar turns up. If so, get a picture and post it here.