The Puffer Forum

i was just looking at my marine tank when i noticed that the reticularis seems to be peeling under his belly, it kinda looks like his slime coat is coming off. he's eating well (possibly a little too well) and seems fine in itself. Water readings are amonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate 40 (always high with the wet dry sump but treating with vodka)
heres some pics (sorry about the quality he moves too quick)
Do you think this is something i should worry about?

are you sure it's 'peeling' and not just where the sand has stuck to him? My stars used to get that alot... sand would stick to the slime coat and he'd swim round with clumps attached to him...

If he does have sand sticking to him, it's a good sign that his slime coat is in overdrive, which can be caused by skin irritation..

any sign of white spot on either puffer? Thats what it turned out to be with mine, got rid of the white spot, and the sand stopped sticking to him.

A parameter check would be a good idea too... see what's happening with your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate...

no, no sign of white spot on either, it could have been sand, its gone again today! thanks tho

My Manilensis gets sand stuck to him as well in the morning. He usually shakes it off after about 20 minutes.