Help! Dwarf having issues!

[Zaffimitsu]

Every time I feed my dwarf puffers they have issues swimming! It tries so hard to swim but it can't! Can anyone tell me what's wrong?

[Pufferoni]

Are they only having issues after feeding or at other times?

What are you feeding?

How much and how often are you feeding them?

[Zaffimitsu]

I think it might be swimbladder.

And yes, its usually after feeding. I feed them a little bit of blood worms and krill occasionaly. I have two and the small one is the only one getting this.

[Pufferoni]

Of course a full stomach aggravate a swim bladder issue but are you sure he is not just over feeding. Eating too much can cause abnormal swimming behavior.

[Zaffimitsu]

I hope that's it, but if its safe I may just treat for swimbladder disease anyways. Will that hurt my other puffer or will he be okay?

[Pufferoni]

I would try feeding less and see what happens. I feed my dwarff puffer about 4 or 5 blood worms 4 times a week.

If you want to try the meds just keep a close eye. I can not see why it would harm the puffers if used properly.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Zaffimitsu]

So I only need to feed them once every 4-5 weeks? I was feeding them one a week.

[Nick]

A few worms a day with a day off each week is good for them. Are you using freeze dried? Everyone I have heard report your symptoms was using freeze dried foods.

[Zaffimitsu]

I put some tablets in there to clear any of the harmful bacteria. I'll slow down on the feeding, too. Yes, they're freeze dried.

[Nick]

Your puffers have air in them from the freeze dried food. Even with presoaking this sometimes happens, I'd highly recommend a frozen food instead.

[Zaffimitsu]

All I have to feed them are these blood worms and krill. Where can I find dwarf puffer food?

[Boxermom]

Krill should only be used occasionally as a treat. You can get frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, etc., at pretty much any pet or fish store.