The Puffer Forum

Hello,

I have a fahaka puffer with a white spot that formed on it's back.
It started out like a blister and turned white.
That was two weeks ago. It's healing but the fish is not the same anymore.
It dosen't swim as much and dosen't like the light anymore.

???

Please answer as many of the above questions in red.

Also, please do not double post. It gets too confusing to folks answering you. I deleted your other one.

could it be a heater burn? your fish is always going to be a bit shy if he/she has hurt themselves/ feels unwell...

Water parameters:
pH: 7.2
Ammonia:0
Nitrites:0
Nitrates:0
Temp:79F

55Gal with 1 5.5` Fahaka.

Normally Krill and (Live minnows and Crayfish recenty last 2weeks).
Use Searchem Prime and Neutral Regulater.

Weekly tank clean and 40-50% water changer.

Added Powerhead 2 weeks ago.

Tank is 1.5yrs old, cycled with 2 Corys and 2 small fish which I cant remember.

It does sound most like a heater burn, however, his immune system could be going downhill from a primarily krill diet - it's a saltwater food being given to a freshwater fish, and it's deficient as a sole diet for marine fish. Additionally, live feeder fish are an unnatural diet and are often loaded with parasites and diseases.

Nick wrote:his immune system could be going downhill from a primarily krill diet

Is this true of all puffers? Does feeding them bloodworms help?

Freshwater fish don't get the right fat and amino acid balances from saltwater based foods, and vice versa. Bloodworms and other freshwater based foods should help.

I was feeding it Bloodworms when it was smaller.
I started to feed it krill about a month ago along with minnows.

It's better now, it perked up when I put minnows in the tank.
But the white spot is still there. I was wondering if that will be a permanent scar?

Please read the feeding article in our Library for a more varied, meaty diet.