The Puffer Forum

I got my new Fahaka today, he is about 4 inches and just getting settled into his new home. I know that there was a handful of adult ramshorns in there and for some reason they are all gone now lol. These pics were taken while he was showing his reflection on the back of the tank who's boss:D I ended up not going the route of ordering one in straight outta the river as a member on my local forum just happened to post his new guy that he had for a couple months. Figured it was better to go this route as he would be more acclimatized. Seems healthy, has a couple of nicks outta his fins but should grow back.

For now he is in a 55g tank with a Aquarclear 110 and an Xp3 so I think I got the filtration covered lol. Over the next few months will be putting together a plywood tank for him. Hoping to build one that is 5-6' long 2' high and between 30" and 36" wide with a 50g sump under it.

He's awesome! And he's going to love his new tank.

Congrats--he looks very well fed! It's always best to get a "used" one from someone else's tank.

I am wondering if someone could help me a little here. If you look in the 3rd pic you can see that the fin on his top backside is more of a stub. Is this fin supposed to roughly be the same size as the one on the bottom side directly below? If so it should just grow back right?
I believe his tank mates were a little rough on him in his previous home.

For the bit of fin damage would it be a good idea to maybe add some salt or should I not really worry about it and let it regrow with time?

Yes PP he is quite well fed lol. Previous owner said he handfed him a prawn every night. On top of the little feast of snails he had in my tank as a welcoming present.

Anyone????

taureandragon76 wrote:I am wondering if someone could help me a little here. If you look in the 3rd pic you can see that the fin on his top backside is more of a stub. Is this fin supposed to roughly be the same size as the one on the bottom side directly below? If so it should just grow back right?
I believe his tank mates were a little rough on him in his previous home.

For the bit of fin damage would it be a good idea to maybe add some salt or should I not really worry about it and let it regrow with time?

Yes PP he is quite well fed lol. Previous owner said he handfed him a prawn every night. On top of the little feast of snails he had in my tank as a welcoming present.

Hey Taureandragon76

His fin is pretty chewed up and stumpy

I've just looked at Naboo my Mbu and his top fin is the same size as the bottom so yes I think it should be the same for your Fahaka

If it was me I'd get a decent size bottle of Melafix and treat the tank with that, it's safe for filters and plants etc as it's all natural

Melafix rapidly repairs damaged fins, when I added it to my tank all my Guppys fins grew back a lot quicker, after a few days I could literally see the new growth of the fin

Hope this helps

Thanks, only problem is that right now I can't get any melafix for a week or two, been off work recovering from surgery.

Salt should help though shouldn't it?

taureandragon76 wrote:Thanks, only problem is that right now I can't get any melafix for a week or two, been off work recovering from surgery.

Salt should help though shouldn't it?

I'm not totally sure to be honest, I know it helps with Ick

I'm sure they do benifit from adding salt to the tank, you must use Aquarium salt though not marine (just in case you didn't know)

I'll have a google and see what I can find

I just had a quick read and the salt won't actually make his fins grow back but it will help keep them healthy as they do grow back

That's what I was thinking. The salt would help to fight off any infection during healing.

taureandragon76 wrote:That's what I was thinking. The salt would help to fight off any infection during healing.

Yes you are right. I don't know if his fin will grow back or not. Chong had a nip out of his fin when I first got him and it has never grown back. But I have also seen where some puffer's fins have grown back. Sorry I can't give you a better answer.

Well when I can afford it I will be getting some melafix, crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.

Will the loss of this fin cause him to lose quality of life?



Ps to the mods, sorry this has turned into a thread that should probably be in the hospital section. I just didn't really notice how bad the fin was till I looked at the pics above a little closer. Please feel free to break this thread off and move it over if need be.

Also noticed that he seems to be spending alot of time of the bottom of the tank. Is this normal Fahaka behavior or is it him settling into his new home or is it a sign that something is wrong?

As far as the melafix goes I think I solved that problem with not being able to afford some. I am just gonna go and pick up some tea tree oil and make my own.

http://www.fishforum.com/tropical-fish- ... fix-14380/

Anyone try this.

Thanks for the melafix link. Really helpful.
I have question for those in the know. My litle 4" fahaka's coloring is exactly the same as the fahaka in these photos. A mix of mottled and stripes. Does this go away as they get bigger or is it variable. There are sometimes when he has more defined stripes and sometimes when he's almost faded brown. (Sorry didn't mean to jack your thread; just curious)