The Puffer Forum

Well he was looking good last night, but then this morning he was back to being gray over most of his belly, and dark above. I checked the water, 0 ammonia, .2 nitrites, 5 nitrates, so I did a 75% water change and now there are no detectable toxins. He swims a little, but he's bumping into things, and mostly he's lying on the bottom or on a plastic plant. I don't know what else I can do for him.

Aww...IDK either. Keep up w/ testing the water and the WC's is all I know. He is under stress from the meds and changing water parameters I would think. Is he eating?

No he is not eating. Earlier he swam up to a few bloodworms I gave him and looked at them, but didn't eat them. I put in a snail, just the right size for him, and he ignored it.

He spent all last night lying very still on a plant, not even moving his fins. This morning he's lying on the bottom, still alive amazingly, and his fins are fluttering which maybe is a reason to have some hope. He's even swum around a bit this morning, and when he settles back down to the bottom, he's lying flat, not head down like last night.

I should've known I was in for this kind of heartache when I got him, as he looked pretty emaciated. He fattened up pretty well, but his stomach still had that pinched look; I guess I should've treated him for IPs right when I first got him, while he was still eating, but since I thought at first that he just might need to get some good meals in him and you aren't supposed to medicate unless you're sure they have an illness, I waited. I can't say that I'll never try to rescue another puffer, but if there is a next time, I'll know to get the little creature treated right off if I suspect anything.

once puffers are ill it's a proper battle... some we win, some we lose...

always we try.


Sending get well vibes your way.

Well, he passed away this morning. Thanks for all your help, everyone - it is appreciated. I sure was hoping he'd pull through.

Sorry for your loss...

I'm sorry he didn't pull through .

Awww no i'm sorry. This has not been a good past couple of weeks for puffers it seems.

Very sorry for your loss.

However, I am sure you gave him more of a chance than he would have had at the LFS!

sorry for your loss