The Puffer Forum

No irrational sensitivity displayed as far as I can tell. I really couldn't figure out how the question related to the thread. Now that you have explained it though, your post makes sense.

Had I thought that there was even a hint of racism in your post, I would have reacted harshly and I would have no regrets about doing so. This board has members from all over the world and all are equally welcomed here--racist comments are not.

OK, we're all straight now and there was no hard done or even intended. Let's get ontopic.

bzajicek,

How's your GSP doing today?

Hey

Completely Read this Post before Acting
I know very little about puffers , but i know plenty about live bearers, this is well known in the LB community , especially small , and wild collected fish.White stringy feces can be , A) a Bacterial infection in the digestive system, or B) a Parasite.This will lead to the wasting away and eventual death of the fish.

Infrequent feeding can make this problem much worse , because the Bacteria or Parasites aren't being Flushed out. I have found with my my fish that Very Small feedings a few times a day can help keep this problem at bay and using foods that will quickly pass through the fish's system will help this along greatly,in addition to Fresh garlic just in case of Parasites.

As you are currently treating for bacterial Problems i would think it would be of a parasitic nature.

Many LB hobbyists periodically De-worm their fish with products such as Levimasole, a Agricultural dewormer for cattle .( of course in small amounts) though i am a strong advocate for Natural solutions

I am Not suggesting the use of any products or treatment plans. I am simply putting forth some ideas and knowledge i have in the hopes that someone will be able to modify it in regards to your puffer.

I hope no one is bothered by this post , it is just

Not bothered at all. In fact, we have a sticky about using levamisol for de-worming at the top of the hospital forum.

The sad fact is that the majority of live caught fish likely have some sort of internal parasite as part of their gut flora. As you said, many people de-worm all their fish either upon arrival, or periodically.

Levamisol can be hard to find sometimes though, and I'm never sure about the correct dosages or how to use it. That sort of information would be very valueable.

What sorts of natural means do you use as an alternative?

Hey

Thanks for your support. Not just the wild caught fish fish , but even home raised fish can get these nematodes and bacteria, whether in Mexican water or U.S water these parasites do exist.

many fish go their entire lives with these parasites in them with out harm to themselves because of a diet that cleans out their system. minimizing the amounts of bacteria or parasites.

I feel that deworming as a prophylactic treatment is a good idea for those who know what they are doing. But should not be undertaken lightly.

You can find Levimasole At just about any website that supplies to Farming communities , and buy it as a powder.

though i do have a recipe for levimasole , i don't think i would be responsible of me to just plaster it all over the place as it is only applicable in certain situations and i wouldn't want to give anyone bad advice , you must make a thorough diagnosis of the fish first , as many fish problems are very easily misdiagnosed even by vet's.

As for Natural well prevention is best , and that doesn't mean adding Mela fix to your tanks or adding salt to your tanks on a daily basis , it means water changes clean tank proper conditions and food that's prevention!.

You might want to try making a Food in the blender with Peas, spinach, and fresh crushed garlic along with something meaty that you fish would enjoy , add gelatin to hold it together and feed very small amounts of it 3 times a day for at least a week and see if it helps .

Rusty wrote: As for Natural well prevention is best , and that doesn't mean adding Mela fix to your tanks or adding salt to your tanks on a daily basis , it means water changes clean tank proper conditions and food that's prevention!.

Hear, hear! P)0

is it possible for humans to pick up these parasites or bacteria? i have never used gloves, and ive gotten water in my mouth and maybe swallowed a few times.

what types of symptoms/infections can you get?

Hey

In the area Of prevention , you can add Freshwater plant to the list (only if properly cared for!)i have found that good plant growth has helped me many times in the overall health of my fish.

As For diagnosing this is a very good Thread on another forum i have found very useful!

http://www.arofanatics.com/forums/showt ... hp?t=31086

And For the fisherman here is a interesting link in your line of questioning.
I'm sure there are many more similar articles out there why don't you google it. and i have to say i don't think i would consider myself a hobbyist if i hadn't had the same thing happen to me lol.

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/p ... p?news=908

bzajicek wrote:Okay...okay...what is this?? I was changing my GSPs water today and noticed that he was pooping some long white stringy thing. It did not look like a worm, I tried to scoop it up with the net but it just fell apart.

Hey i was just wondering how your puffer is doing? any significant change ?

Hoping all is well