The Puffer Forum

Hello,

After a couple of years break I have again GSP's. I was planning to buy GSP from a reliable store but two days ago I noticed puffers in very bad conditions at a LPS and decided to rescue two of them.

At this moment I have only planted tanks with few algae eaters inside and a small 10G with Dwarf Puffers. I moved nerites from a 50G tank and put the new GSP's inside. Also the tank contain two medium SAE and one Gibbiceps plus 3 nerites that have been removed earlier. The puffers does not show any kind of interest for other fishes which does not surprise me since they are all the same size. They ate many small pond snails found on plant leaves. Today I setup a 10G spare tank full with snails but it will take a while until I got my own. Anyway feeding them is not an issue, I have from where to get all that they need.

I do not use chemicals to help plants but have good light and CO2 addition. I don't use a PH controller so there might be some PH swing; neither nerites nor old fishes shown any discomfort from that. I monitorise water parameters very carefully since I can't affort algae bloom. However before having these GSP's there wasn't lots of waste coming out of only 3 fishes and 30-40% of weekly water change did a good job. The tank got an external 10G sump filled with different filter media, heater and co2 diffuser and that was more than enough for filtration. I'll do every next day water tests to see if tank ecounter signifiant changes after GSP's addition.

At the store the puffers were feed in guppies and small xipho. They had/have some dark spot and lines at the mouth edges and their belly. Also the back of one of them does look "cloudy". I put some pictures, perhaps someone can have a look and tell me if it's something critical.

http://picasaweb.google.com/br03zum/Puffers#

I know they are brackish and need different setup but at this moment my concern is about those dark areas on their skin.

Thanks.

Hi,
I don't really see that much to worry about in regards to the dark spots, but what I am concerned with is how lumpy their bellies look. I am guessing that these GSP's probably have some sort of internal parasite issues. You need to keep a look out for stringy poop, which would probably indicate that they do have IP's, and of course, then you will need to treat them for it. They look good otherwise I think, not in too bad shape really -- at least that's my assessment of your puffers. Someone else may have different ideas about any problems or issues.

That belly is rather lumpy..so perhaps the above poster is correct about parasites...BUT..you said they have been munching heavy on snails....one of my GPS (huggles) gets a rather lumpy belly when eating small snails...when he eats blood worms or soft foods..his belly is nice and round, but when he "inhales" a snail or two he gets super lumpy.

Also, you said they have plenty of food with the snails and all...Huggles (my GPS) will get the dark lines around his mouth and belly when he has over eaten.

I am no expert though, so you should really check into the whole parasite thing.

Besides that..really cute GPS you have!

I would say they look in fairly poor condition - not surprising, as most lfs keep them in the wrong conditions. I am sure their colours will improve once they settle in. The fins look a little nipped, but not sore of infected. I think you should concentrate on making the water quality right for their needs. If they don't start to look better, then maybe think about worming. Sometimes it is not always the best idea to jump in & de-worm a fish who is already out of condition. On the other hand, if they do have internal parasites, it may be the only thing to do. Look out for their poops as ppg says.
You take great pictures by the way. I look forward to seeing some more of them, when you have got them looking great!

Unless they were hunting the dark lines indicate some form of stress. More than likely from being kept in poor conditions in the LFS and then moved to new surroundings and IP's. Over all I'd say the one with the lumpy belly is in very poor condition and his partner is in semi poor condition. Seeing that lumpy belly I would treat both of them for parasites real soon, especially since he's still eating. Yes, it is entirely possible that he ate a bunch of snails and is lumpy but I wouldn't want to wait and find out different.

When treating a gsp what meds have people found to work the best. With out hurting the good bacteria in your tank. Plus I herd some one mention a kind of jell.

The gel is called Geltek Ultra Cure PX, my fav deworming medication. You have to treat their food, and most deworming meds taste awful, and the fish spit it back out, this stuff must taste great because they gobble it down.

There's also an article in the library about other methods.. best way is to get the fish to eat it though, not treat the water.

As far as how they look, they are VERY skinny, just look like they've eaten a lot recently. If you look at their backs and tails, very boney and thin. Color is off, but that will return as they get in clean water and eat better.. and their chewed up fins should start growing back as well.

If you haven't already read up on the care of these fish, you're looking at 30 gallons each, mid brackish to full marine.. they won't be able to stay in that freshwater very long.