The Puffer Forum

My Fahaka has not eaten for 3 days and i have noticed a slight rash/marking on his side anybody no wot this is? (see photos attatched).

Thanks

Neil

He looks constipated. I don't see any rash though. Do you mean the darker maroonish spots? That's natural coloration.

If he is constipated how can I resolve this?

Neil

Try feeding peas. If he won't eat them, treat with epson salt. 1 tablespoon per 5 gallons of water.

Hi there

How can you tell from my pic that he is constipated? can you let me know so that I can look out for it in the future. Epson salt dont think they sell it here in the UK

Because he looks awfully fat for a puffer that hasn't eaten in 3 days. How large is that puffer? I only feed mine 1-2x/week. When is the last time he's pooped? For a FW fish, I suggest adding 1 tbsp Epsom salt/10g & then add the same amount that the next day, which will up it to 1tbsp/5g. Do a large (50%) WC beforehand.

Beautiful fahaka!

I feed mine usually 2 mussels a day is that to much?. He is about 8-9" long.

Neil

I would agree with Boxermom, that is an awfully FAT puffer if he hasn't eaten, so yes, constipation is likely.

Epsom salts are pretty common.. go to a local pharmacy/drug store (oh what do you brits call them.. I can't remember, the store for medications and perscriptions and the like) and ask for them. Commonly used to treat constipation in humans, or to soak an injury to prevent or get rid of infection.

His color looks pretty good, he's just very, very fat.

Chemist?

Yeah, that's what I was thinking of! I think? LOL

Neilsie wrote:I feed mine usually 2 mussels a day is that to much?. He is about 8-9"

Yes, that is too much food & not enough variety. Feed every 3 days.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice I have managed to get some epsom salt and I have added some to the tank hopefully this will resolve the problem. I will keep you all posted.

Neil

Hi Guys,

I added the epsom salt and I looked at him this evening and he has gone very blotchy I therefore carried out an emergency water change. The Puffer when netted blew up into a massive ball, I know puffers do this but I have never seen it in real life it was purely fascinating. The Puffer is now back in the tank and only time will tell whether JJ will pull through.

Neil

You didn't take him out of the tank did you? You should never expose puffers to air, they can really hurt themselves by puffing up with air. Always catch them in a container if you MUST catch them.

There's no reason to remove them from the tank while doing a water change, just siphon out the water and add new stuff back in.

How much epsom salts did you add?

I added one tablespoon