The Puffer Forum

One of our GSPs is about 2.5" and it looks like it might have swallowed a rock. We are pretty sure we saw it actually ate one, and now it's acting kind of lethargic and always looks like it's eaten. When it does eat, one spot will bulge out like there is something in its belly. It will also narrow its eyes like it's trying to poop or something. We aren't sure if it is going or not, have not seen it go in a while. Could it pass a rock? Could this back up its poop? Will it die? Help!

You could try to feed him a pea or treat the tank with Epsom salt (1 tbsp/5g) to help him poo.

We fed them peas a couple nights ago, and there has been no difference since then. We'll feed him peas the next couple feedings and see what happens.

Will they actually pass a rock if they eat one? Or could they die?

I'm not actually sure but I believe someone did do an autopsy on their puffer & found a rock in there. Time will tell, I'm not sure there is anything else you can do. I mean, there are rocks in the wild...

I saw a picture a while back when a catfish ate a huge rock. Eventually it spit it back out. Maybe your puffer will do the same.

How's your puffer doing?

He's still acting skittish and lethargic. We fed them peas again last night, so hopefully that will help... We are going to keep a close eye on him and hopefully he's just gained some weight and maybe has a cold lol.

i saw my fugu cough up a rock so i think it can be ok but who knows.

Thanks for all the hope you guys are giving us! We'll keep you posted on Trinity's status.

Well, whatever happened originally seems to have improved. When he eats, there is no huge bulge in one place in his stomach, he is no longer all lethargic, looks more normal sized, and doesn't seem to be skittish anymore. We were worried there for a bit, thank you for your replies!

oh that is good to know.....glad the little one is getting better...

Here is a question though, I know sharks can empty their stomach contents into the ocean by thrusting their stomachs out their mouths...i guess to cleanse it, and get rid of undigestables....can fish do similar things?

Yeah! Glad your little one is doing better.

Awesomesauce! That's great!