The Puffer Forum

Hey guys. I just got a new F8 puffer a couple days ago. As soon as I put him in my tank I noticed something was wrong. In all the pictures I see they have a tail on the bottom. Mine has what looks like a round lump instead. I assumed this was just a bad case of fin nipping, but now I am not so sure. All the skin around it looks almost like it is dead (kind of furry almost). He seems to be displaying normal puffer actions in spite of his injury. He is eating as much as I give him and is always swimming around. I can't figure out how to get a good picture yet but if I am able to I will post it right away. If anybody has any idea what is wrong, I'd be willing to try almost anything.

My water parameters are:
temp - 78
nitrites and ammonia - 0
nitrates - 10-15
salinity 1.001 after 20% water change yesterday

I'm going to go out tomorrow and get melafix and primafix to use. Hopefully this works.

here is some pics on what fin rot looks like. you will want to treat it fast and right away. it could kill your fish. if just the fins rot then they will grow back

http://www.fishdeals.com/fish_diseases/ ... finrot.gif
http://www.fishbase.org/images/thumbnai ... nRotD7.jpg

unfortunatly thats the only good pics i could find.
niether pic is a puffer however the condition is the same regardless
here are some ideas to say it may be fin rot:
-the tips of the fin are white, look almost fuzzy
-sometimes can make out small bones sticking out past the skin of the fin
-can happen on caudal, dorsal, anal, pelvic, and pectoral fins. http://www.biologycorner.com/resources/fish_fins.gif
-once it reaches the body it can resault in fish death
-fins may appear red or irritated
-fins will grow back with proper treatment

hope this helps