The Puffer Forum

As you know i got a Fahaka about 2 weeks ago. Since then he has not eaten and there has only been 2 days that he was active. There are snails and crays in the tank for when he is huingry. He hides in the rear corner of my tank behind a rock and plants for cover. Just curious to see if anyone has any insight . I know fahakas can go weeks w/o eating and can take a while to get acclimated to his new tank. The room is pretty active also. He still looks good. Color is still the same.

Tank Parameters
Nitrate-12
Nitrite-0
Ammonia-0
P.H. 7.2
Temp 81.4
125 Gal
Filtration- 2 emperor 400's, Eheim 2229, 30 Gal W/D Sump

How does his stomach look? If it looks bloated, really bumpy, or emaciated, he could have internal parasites (unless you've already treated him), which would affect his mood and eating regime. If he seems to be looking healthy, then it's likely just stress caused by the new environment that he's in.

If the room is really active, I suggest temporarily covering up the back, two sides, and part of the front (maybe 1/4 - 1/8 on each side of the front) with black bristle board/foam/construction paper. He's probably just extremely nervous about all the movement, and by blocking off his line of sight with everything but the front (and even blocking parts of the front), he won't be so startled, and maybe he'll become less shy. Then, over the next several months (after he associates you with food and whatnot), you can slowly begin to cut back the black boards (first remove the front parts, then half of the sides, then all of the sides - best to leave the back one on).

Also, I'd try having dimmer lights (if possible), as it could be the amount of light that's also causing stress.

If you don't notice any improvement after another week of having most of the tank covered, we'll have to consider some other options.

His stomach is shapley but streamline. He was treeated fror parasites a few weeks before i recieved him from the previous owner so its not that. The lights are pretty dim only 1 sun glow bulb in a double bulb setup. The room isnt extremly active maybe i described it wrong. A few times a day someone will walk by the tank and maybe a few times a week ill work in front of the tank. And if it means anything his tail opens fully frequently.

If he seems pretty healthy and has already been treated, then he's likely just shy and getting used to things. You might find it a speedier "de-shying" if you covers parts of the tank for a bit, though.

Ok, Ill try covering most of the tank with black paper. The back is already black.

Ok what i did is take black plastic sheeting and covered 1 side (side she hangs out on) and most of the front of the tank. Lets see what happens

Not 30 mins later and i see her swim by the opening in the front of the tank. keep your fingers crossed.

*crosses fingers*

She finally ate today!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very cool, what did she eat?

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Now she's going to turn into a little piggy.