dp has worm stuck in his mouth
Forum rules
Read this before posting!!
Since this board has been up, we have found there are several questions that routinely get asked in order to help diagnose problems. If you can have that information to begin with in your post, we'll be able to help right away (if we can!) without having to wait for you to post the info we need.
1) Your water parameters - pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrates and salinity (if appropriate). This is by far the most important information you can provide! Do not answer this with "Fine" "Perfect" "ok", that tells us nothing. We need hard numbers.
2) Tank size and a list of ALL inhabitants. Include algae eaters, plecos, everything. We need to know what you have and how big the tank is.
3) Feeding, water change schedule and a list of all products you are using or have added to the tank (examples: Cycle, Amquel, salt, etc)
4) What changes you've made in the tank in the last week or so. Sometimes its the little things that make all the difference.
5) How long the aquarium has been set up, and how did you cycle it? If you don't know what cycling is read this: Fishless Cycling Article and familiarize yourself with all the information. Yes. All of it.
We want to help, and providing this information will go a LONG way to getting a diagnosis and hopeful cure that much faster.
While you wait for assistance:
One of the easiest and best ways to help your fish feel better is clean water! If you are already on a regular water change schedule (50% weekly is recommended) a good step to making your fish more comfortable while waiting for diagnosis/suggestions is to do a large water change immediately. Feel free to repeat daily or as often as you can, clean water is always a good thing! Use of Amquel or Prime as a dechlor may help with any ammonia or nitrite issues, and is highly recommended.
Note - if you do not normally do large water changes, doing a sudden, large water change could shock your fish by suddenly changing their established water chemistry. Clean water is still your first goal, so in this case, do several smaller (10%) water changes over the next day or two before starting any large ones.
Read this before posting!!
Since this board has been up, we have found there are several questions that routinely get asked in order to help diagnose problems. If you can have that information to begin with in your post, we'll be able to help right away (if we can!) without having to wait for you to post the info we need.
1) Your water parameters - pH, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrates and salinity (if appropriate). This is by far the most important information you can provide! Do not answer this with "Fine" "Perfect" "ok", that tells us nothing. We need hard numbers.
2) Tank size and a list of ALL inhabitants. Include algae eaters, plecos, everything. We need to know what you have and how big the tank is.
3) Feeding, water change schedule and a list of all products you are using or have added to the tank (examples: Cycle, Amquel, salt, etc)
4) What changes you've made in the tank in the last week or so. Sometimes its the little things that make all the difference.
5) How long the aquarium has been set up, and how did you cycle it? If you don't know what cycling is read this: Fishless Cycling Article and familiarize yourself with all the information. Yes. All of it.
We want to help, and providing this information will go a LONG way to getting a diagnosis and hopeful cure that much faster.
While you wait for assistance:
One of the easiest and best ways to help your fish feel better is clean water! If you are already on a regular water change schedule (50% weekly is recommended) a good step to making your fish more comfortable while waiting for diagnosis/suggestions is to do a large water change immediately. Feel free to repeat daily or as often as you can, clean water is always a good thing! Use of Amquel or Prime as a dechlor may help with any ammonia or nitrite issues, and is highly recommended.
Note - if you do not normally do large water changes, doing a sudden, large water change could shock your fish by suddenly changing their established water chemistry. Clean water is still your first goal, so in this case, do several smaller (10%) water changes over the next day or two before starting any large ones.
-
rachy
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:01 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 4 adult dwarf puffers ( sugar, hamish, diddy + porky)
2 smallerDP's (squidge + speckle)
+ now 70+ baby DP's :)
7 south american puffers ( shaun, paddy, sketch,
pele + 3 with no name yet!)
2 irrubesco (princess ruby + richy) - Location (country): uk
- Location: north east uk
dp has worm stuck in his mouth
not sure if it needs 2 b in hospital section lol, but it seemed the best place!! for 2 days now, diddy has had some bloodworm hanging out of his mouth, its not a whole worm, just the kinda white skin from the outside. usully i wouldnt worry 2 much bout that, but im thinking now that it might b stopping him eating :S cos usually, when i put the worms in the tank, all 3 little puffers swim straight for the worms n catch them etc, but since thats been stuck, diddy just kinda stares at them, n dosent bother getting them. im sure he hasnt eaten anything, cos his belly isnt fat like it usually is after he eats couple of worms. what can i do?? will it b 2 much stress for him if i try 2 catch him n take it out?
- LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
- Posts: 5301
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:26 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: Dwarf puffer - Thumbelina (only mine in my heart now; she lives in CT with my friend)
RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
It sounds like it might be a fungus. I would try to remove it first, very carefully, keeping him underwater, and then see if it comes back.
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi

Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi

Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
-
bigfatfish
- Fahaka Puffer
- Posts: 938
- Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:33 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: GSP "Puffy" RIP old friend 1999-2009
GSPs "Flash" & "Lionel" - in a 55 UK Gallon Bow front Marine Tank with sump. - Location (country): United Kingdom
- Location: Devon, UK
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
Being in the water for a while may soften it enough for it to just come away of its own accord - if it is food. If it is fungus, that is a different matter altogether, as it will most likely just get larger. I have to catch my GSP every 2-3 days at the moment cos he has something wrong with his mouth (see thread - GSP with mouth problems - in the hospital forum.)
-
rachy
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:01 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 4 adult dwarf puffers ( sugar, hamish, diddy + porky)
2 smallerDP's (squidge + speckle)
+ now 70+ baby DP's :)
7 south american puffers ( shaun, paddy, sketch,
pele + 3 with no name yet!)
2 irrubesco (princess ruby + richy) - Location (country): uk
- Location: north east uk
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
im pretty sure it is a wormskin, cos i was watching him eat the worm that used 2 b inside it
if i just leave it 2 soften tho, will it not end up rotting n make him ill or anything?? i just tried feeding them there, n 2day he has actually tried 2 eat the worm instead of just staring at it..but then struggled 2 catch it 
-
bigfatfish
- Fahaka Puffer
- Posts: 938
- Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:33 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: GSP "Puffy" RIP old friend 1999-2009
GSPs "Flash" & "Lionel" - in a 55 UK Gallon Bow front Marine Tank with sump. - Location (country): United Kingdom
- Location: Devon, UK
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
Sounds like you may have to catch him & remove it. Make sure you have some fine tweezers/forceps at the ready.
-
rachy
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:01 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 4 adult dwarf puffers ( sugar, hamish, diddy + porky)
2 smallerDP's (squidge + speckle)
+ now 70+ baby DP's :)
7 south american puffers ( shaun, paddy, sketch,
pele + 3 with no name yet!)
2 irrubesco (princess ruby + richy) - Location (country): uk
- Location: north east uk
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
those little fellas are very good at hiding when they want to arent they!! after an hour searching, i found him n caught him lol, getting it out of his mouth was quite easy really, he was good n didnt move 2 much
so its gone now, ill keep a watch see if he starts eating now n if it comes back. cheers for ur help!
-
rachy
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:01 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 4 adult dwarf puffers ( sugar, hamish, diddy + porky)
2 smallerDP's (squidge + speckle)
+ now 70+ baby DP's :)
7 south american puffers ( shaun, paddy, sketch,
pele + 3 with no name yet!)
2 irrubesco (princess ruby + richy) - Location (country): uk
- Location: north east uk
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
oh no :'( it came back!! if it is fungus, what do i need to do?? poor diddy
hope hes gonna b ok
-
bigfatfish
- Fahaka Puffer
- Posts: 938
- Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:33 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: GSP "Puffy" RIP old friend 1999-2009
GSPs "Flash" & "Lionel" - in a 55 UK Gallon Bow front Marine Tank with sump. - Location (country): United Kingdom
- Location: Devon, UK
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
I am currently using Pimafix for my GSP (3 days in now, but I can see the furry white stuff already back form where I cleared it). I am looking into using antibiotics as a last resort. I will let you know if I find any info. In the meantime, make sure he is able to eat, keep water scrupulously clean & go with the Pimafix.
-
rachy
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:01 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 4 adult dwarf puffers ( sugar, hamish, diddy + porky)
2 smallerDP's (squidge + speckle)
+ now 70+ baby DP's :)
7 south american puffers ( shaun, paddy, sketch,
pele + 3 with no name yet!)
2 irrubesco (princess ruby + richy) - Location (country): uk
- Location: north east uk
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
do i need 2 keep removing whatever it is from his mouth?? it dosent really seem 2 stress him that much now, i took it off again this morning. or is it best 2 just leave it?
-
bigfatfish
- Fahaka Puffer
- Posts: 938
- Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:33 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: GSP "Puffy" RIP old friend 1999-2009
GSPs "Flash" & "Lionel" - in a 55 UK Gallon Bow front Marine Tank with sump. - Location (country): United Kingdom
- Location: Devon, UK
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
With my GSP, it eventually fills his mouth, so I have no choice. If it doesn't bother him, then, personally I would leave it as the stress involved with getting him out regularly may be a greater risk than the ?fungus itself. I really wish I didn't have to keep catching mine, as I feel that it really is taking its toll on him. (he's an old boy now!)
-
rachy
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:01 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 4 adult dwarf puffers ( sugar, hamish, diddy + porky)
2 smallerDP's (squidge + speckle)
+ now 70+ baby DP's :)
7 south american puffers ( shaun, paddy, sketch,
pele + 3 with no name yet!)
2 irrubesco (princess ruby + richy) - Location (country): uk
- Location: north east uk
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
thanks for your help!! ill keep an eye on it, see if it bothers him
-
rachy
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:01 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 4 adult dwarf puffers ( sugar, hamish, diddy + porky)
2 smallerDP's (squidge + speckle)
+ now 70+ baby DP's :)
7 south american puffers ( shaun, paddy, sketch,
pele + 3 with no name yet!)
2 irrubesco (princess ruby + richy) - Location (country): uk
- Location: north east uk
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
im in shock :O i been so worried that the water has been really bad or something, but ive just done water change, and while i was doing it ive found little baby puffer :O so im guessing that the water isnt so bad after all
its so cute man!!! is it still ok to put pimafix in with the baby in the tank?
- LilGreenPuffer
- Former Staff Member
- Posts: 5301
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:26 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: Dwarf puffer - Thumbelina (only mine in my heart now; she lives in CT with my friend)
RIP Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizinni.
RIP James Bond. - Location (country): United States
- Location: Kentucky
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
Wow! That is quite amazing! Pictures???
Pimafix won't hurt it.
Pimafix won't hurt it.
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him or her. Will she gain anything by it? Will it restore her to a control over her own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi

Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
Found among the papers of Mohatma Gandhi

Come and visit http://www.thetriopsforum.com!
I AM A DUDETTE!
NEED NITRIFYING BACTERIA FOR YOUR NEW TANK? PM ME!
-
rachy
- Green Spotted Puffer
- Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:01 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: 4 adult dwarf puffers ( sugar, hamish, diddy + porky)
2 smallerDP's (squidge + speckle)
+ now 70+ baby DP's :)
7 south american puffers ( shaun, paddy, sketch,
pele + 3 with no name yet!)
2 irrubesco (princess ruby + richy) - Location (country): uk
- Location: north east uk
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
not the greatest pic lol, hes tiny, so i was struggling!! but u can see it on the bottom of the breeder box
i did see my puffers doing what i thought to b mating behaviour a couple of weeks or so ago, but didnt really expect anything to come of it, cos i havent had them long!!

i will keep trying 2 get a better pic
it is 100% a baby puffer, i cant believe how much like the adults it looks already man
so cute!

i will keep trying 2 get a better pic
-
bigfatfish
- Fahaka Puffer
- Posts: 938
- Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:33 pm
- Gender: Female
- My Puffers: GSP "Puffy" RIP old friend 1999-2009
GSPs "Flash" & "Lionel" - in a 55 UK Gallon Bow front Marine Tank with sump. - Location (country): United Kingdom
- Location: Devon, UK
Re: dp has worm stuck in his mouth
Ahh. I want one!