The Puffer Forum

I went by the LFS yesterday to check on Pauline. Once there I was told she had died the day before from a disease. They called it a skin disease. They said that sometimes a porcupine puffer will get this so called skin disease and die a few hours after signs. Has anyone heard of this and does it effect other fish?

Probably marine velvet... Many fish die within 24 hours of showing symptoms.

If it was velvet, even though they're calling it a skin disease, it's much more serious than that. It usually infects the gills causing the fish to suffocate.

The only known effective treatment is copper, which when used on puffers, is a balancing act. Cupramine, a non chelated form by Seachem is the most effective since it can be used in lower doses.

I wouldn’t buy anything out of that system for a long, long time.

Thanks, that's what I needed to know. They had another porcupine puffer in the next tank but I guess I'll pass on it. I appericate your help.

You don't want to buy anything out of that tank! Sorry about Pauline but better in their tank, than yours.

Yeah find a new store to get a porc from. You won't regret it.