The Puffer Forum

defool89 wrote:I use prime too. Let me rephrase myself on that matter. Dont just add prime everytime the water goes bad, do a large wc weekly, and or partials in between. Use prime after every water change not just when nitrates go up.

Okay thanks,makes more sense on that matter. I was never aware that I was supposed to be water changing as much as you guys have all told me, but now I know thankfully. That should at least help in some of the problems I'm having.

Unfortunately, we still have the problem of the bump though. I was thinking, i know that they turn colors all of the time. Could the gravel being black have anything at all to do with his stomach being black most of the time? I didn't think it could, but it was just a thought... Still think it's because he's not very happy due to whatever's in him. I just want to get it out

Yes. Black gravel darker skin normally. Still, not skin crawlers. Maybe you have a tube worm, does it have a tail and does it "y"...if so pull it out

defool89 wrote:Yes. Black gravel darker skin normally. Still, not skin crawlers. Maybe you have a tube worm, does it have a tail and does it "y"...if so pull it out

Unfortunately, I do not see any kind of tail sticking out from him or the bump. Because that probably would have been an easier fix I would think...gross, but easier to solve...

The tank is extremely clear since I have added the SafeStart though and his mood seems to be way improved from this morning.

Yes dark gravel = dark puffer, he should not be black bellied though. Good to hear things are getting better and clearer. Lets wait to see what others say about the lump

The lump is a nematode worm. It could be removed by risky surgery, or left to live with the puffer. Keep the puffer alone. They can live quite some time like this.

That puffer is a zombie. Its being controlled by the nematode. It speaks to him, for him and and through him. They share one mind about now.

Thank you guys for all of your replies and insight. I wasn't able to get on my computer at all yesterday so sorry!
After doing a little research off of what PufferPunk said, I'm pretty certain this is what Puffer has as well. Kinda sad that there isnt anything I can do to get rid of the worm, but at least he can live a while with it. He's his normal self this morning-looking at me right now begging for food. But the lump has moved to his back side behind his left fin. Kind of irritating and I feel bad

At least I know what I need to do to keep his water clean to make him as happy as possible. I'll keep up with those water changes regularly.

defool89 wrote:That puffer is a zombie. Its being controlled by the nematode. It speaks to him, for him and and through him. They share one mind about now.

Haha! I think you made my day I needed a little lightness on the matter. Though I think you may be accurate in some ways on that matter, unfortunately.

Does anyone think the nematode worm could have been what made him extremely aggressive towards the other puffers? I know that they can be that way naturally, and 40 gallon tank with the others wasn't a good idea either.. Just a thought

Zombie snails: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWB_COSUXMw

Pufferpunk wrote:Zombie snails: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWB_COSUXMw

O_o Oh.. Lovely. That was a fun video to watch.. If that's the same thing that's sorta happening to my puffer..guess that answers that question. Poor snail, and puffer haha. What the heck worms

No, your puffer's brain isn't under the influence of the worm but I thought the vid was appropriate!

Pufferpunk wrote:No, your puffer's brain isn't under the influence of the worm but I thought the vid was appropriate!

Oh! Wow, I feel dumb now..I'm glad that he's not though! But yes, the video does fit. I'm learning more than I probably ever wanted to know about worms

Personally, I'd attempt to remove the worm, even with the high death rate. I couldn't stand to see the little guy suffering with a worm crawling around inside him.

MS-222 to put him to sleep. (In a separate container of course)
Sterile razor blade. (Very small incision, just big enough to pull it out)
Sterile tweezers. (To pull it out, don't want to further complicate matters with bacterium from your hands) (Also allows for smaller incision)
Absolutely PRISTINE water conditions. (Very Important)
Melafix. (Melafix and Pimafix should be kept on hand any how)

I'm sure some of the members here can tell you better, but that's how I would do it.

Good luck with whichever route you decide to take.

I.Puff.Too wrote:Personally, I'd attempt to remove the worm, even with the high death rate. I couldn't stand to see the little guy suffering with a worm crawling around inside him.

MS-222 to put him to sleep. (In a separate container of course)
Sterile razor blade. (Very small incision, just big enough to pull it out)
Sterile tweezers. (To pull it out, don't want to further complicate matters with bacterium from your hands) (Also allows for smaller incision)
Absolutely PRISTINE water conditions. (Very Important)
Melafix. (Melafix and Pimafix should be kept on hand any how)

I'm sure some of the members here can tell you better, but that's how I would do it.

Good luck with whichever route you decide to take.

I've honestly been thinking about it..I'm just a little worried because of the high death rate. But yes, I feel terrible because every-time I look up at him he's looking at me with the dang lump..and now I know what it is..

Here's a question though. Since he has this worm inside of him, and although it is in the skin and not the organs, is there any chance that his feces have eggs/larva in it? I woudnt want to go through all of that trouble, get the worm out, and then there ends up being stuff in his tank that infect him again. So, that would have to go along with the pristine water condition i would assume if there is a chance that his feces has more worm infestations in it...

I dont know entirely what to do. I hate seeing him suffer, but I also don't want to risk killing him. I deff could do it, Im not really a squeamish person at all, and I just want to help him. But like PufferPunk said it is very risky. I think he would heal fine as long as the water conditions were good and I used all of the melafix i need to he would heal,,he's a spunky little guy and seems to bounce right back pretty quick.

Removing the worm would not be something I would consider, I personally would just give the best possible life for the fish until nature does its work.