Need help with my puffer!!! what should I do ?

[pinballtrader48]

I got the porcupine puffer and put him in my tank. The problem is that he has a spot on his left side about 2/3 way back that appears to be partly puffed- it is swollen out somewhat at least. This is causing him to be bouyant at that spot and making it hard to swim right. He is under the edge of a rock right now I suppose to keep him from floating up. It makes him swim at a 45 deg angle, facing down. What could be the cause and should I worry or will it settle on it's own. Is there anything I can do. I was very careful putting him in BTW.

 

[EmilyB]

I have seen puffers use powerheads to scratch..to their detriment.

 

[jmeader]

He has some air trapped there that he hasn't been able to expel. When a puffer has needed help getting rid of air, I've held him with his mouth pointing straight up to the top. That will usually let it excape. It's best to not remove a puffer from the water when moving them. That is when they will swallow air, trying to puff up.

 

[LeoR]

The swelling could be caused by:
1. Lymphocystis,
2. Damaged bladder or intestines, or
3. Trapped air.

If the puffer is having trouble balancing that would make internal damage or trapped air more likely (though these could be combined with lymphocystis).

3. Trapped air is the least likely cause, but this can be quickly tested and fixed by briefly (and gently) removing the puffer from water, as follows:
-- Prepare a large clean piece of cloth, soak it well in the tank water, fold it and put it in a clean plastic bowl (the larger the better).
-- Fill a large cup or container with tank water and set it aside.
-- Put clean gloves on your hands and rinse them well in tank water.
-- Use another large cup or container to gently scoop the puffer out of the tank.
-- Now, transfer the puffer to the bowl with the wet cloth.
If the bowl is large you can gently pour the puffer into the bowl. Otherwise, transfer him by hand, by gently placing your hand under the belly and lifting him.
-- If there was air trapped inside the body, it should be expelled within few seconds.
-- After 20 seconds or, if the puffer starts puffing then immediately, pour all the tank water you have left into the bowl with the puffer, take the bowl to the tank and pour the puffer into the tank.

1. Lymphocystis is a viral disease which cannot be cured but with good care it usually disappears on its own within a few weeks.

2. Damage to bladder or intestines would require a visit to a vet.

Good luck to you and your puffer.

LeoR
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