Porcupine Puffer help!!!

[Enzo]

Hi,
I got a small 3inch puffer yesterday and it was doing pretty good until the end of the day. When I woke up today I saw him stuck to a powerhead. I immediately turned off the powerhead and took him off, when I pulled him off their was a bloated ring about an inch in diameter on his back. I am very worried about him. He is still very stressed out and is now just laying on a couple pieces of live rock. He doesn't seem to be the same active self he was when I got him yesterday. I don't think he has ich either because his breathing is normal, about 2 breaths per second. His eyes are normal and now cloudy. But I can't get a good look at his fins, since he is at the back of my tank and I can only see the front portion of his body. Can you reply quickly, I really need some help, My LFS just told me to wait a couple days till he recooperates, but I am afraid he will starve because he hasn't eat anything since he has been in his new home. He doesn't seem to want anything. I have tried brine with garlic (to build up his immune and fight ich as a precation), formula 1, and krill.
John

 

[LeoR]

It happened to one of my puffers, she recovered in less than 1 day with no consequences.

Watch him closely and post again if you notice something, or he's still in hiding tomorrow.

To prevent future accidents, add another larger strainer, or put the powerhead in a small plastic basket (such as those for packing strawberries, cherry tomatoes...).

LeoR

 

[Enzo]

Ok, now that I know he is going to live and not die from stress, What do I do to feed him, he hasn't eaten for atleast 2 days. He won't take any food. I don't know how to get the food to him without the other fish eating it. Thanks.
John

 

[ZigZagZombie]

Mine lays around quite a bit also during the day. I've heard that they don't like bright light. So it hangs out under the rocks. I feed raw shrimp that i get from the grocery store. Goes crazy for it. Less expensive too, which i like....

 

[LeoR]

"Zombie" is right: porcupines like to rest during the day and dislike strong lights (and commotion in the tank.)

A porcupine not eating is not a good sign.

Try dropping a half-shell of small live clam or mussel near the porcupine. That should sink quickly enough for him to catch it, and he surely won't ignore it, unless he is sick.

LeoR