The Puffer Forum

Hi Guys i need a little help.

I noticed this "mark" on my fahaka a few days ago as you can kinda see from the pic underneath him, over the past 2 days its got worse like a circle and its become covered in "fluff"

I have no idea what it is/could be so any suggestions would be appreciated!

Hard to tell from the picture but it looks like it might be a heater burn. Even if it isn't, it would be a good idea to get a heater cover.

A good water change and treatment with Melafix would be a good start. Since you mentioned a fungus, I would also treat with Pimafix. Keep a close eye out to see if the condition is improving or getting worse.

Is he acting OK otherwise, eating, swimming, coloration, etc?

It could be a bite mark from another puffer, but it also could be a heater burn. that would be from the fish sleeping on the heater when it comes on. Perhaps relocate it to a vertical orientation or add a protective grid around it?

Thanks for the help, my worry was it may be internal parasites but it may well be the heater, i shall get a cover for it, i already moved it today during water change as he had managed to knock it off the glass!

It cant be a bite form another puffer as he lives alone and never had it when he was purchased!

I put some pimafix in today and some salt so i shall continue that treatment and hope i clears up. i will keep you informed!

Yes he has been eating fine and swimming around like a mad man as usual!

Back when I used heaters, I had burns on fahakas and on the mbu - I don't know how they select their sleeping locations.

you just keep your house at 78? the no heater thing is interesting but my house gets too cold and the temp is vastly different day to night year round so not so good

The house is far higher tech than the tanks, plus the tanks are mostly planted (& so are multilighted) and all are multifiltered. The house is at 72F in winter, 74F in summer. None of the tanks ever gets below 76F, most are 78-82F.

Hi
Here are some pictures of the "sore" today its looking almost as if the "bad skin" is coming away if that makes sense all white and fluffy....sorry about the pics he wont sit still!