The Puffer Forum

I just got 2 new f8's a week ago. The one is doing great but I have noticed that my other is not eating as well and is not really swimming that well. He rolls sometimes and other will swim fine. I think that he is on his way out. The strange thing is that his anus is open to about the size of a pin Head almost. Nothing looks like its stuck or blocking it. Does anyone know if this is a parasite and should I get him out of the tank. My water is fine and tested weekly. I did have a nitrite problem and put bio-spira in it yesterday. His problem started before this.

Oh yeah. I forgot to say that his belly is starting to turn light brown in one spot.

Are there red, short thread like things coming out of the anus (this is a sign of camallanus worms)?

That's my best guess - a picture would be helpful - although I know that's not always possible.

Eric

There are no red things coming out. I think he is blind now too. He wont even flinch when I put my finger up to him. I think im going to take him out.

sorry to say he didnt make it. It could have been parasites. I hope my other one is ok. They both came from the same tank at my LFS. Like I read, they can be caught from the wild with the parasites. Especially the F8's I hear.

Sometimes they just don't make it. I bought a figure 8 that died about 2 weeks after bringing it home. I waited a bit to make sure the tank was OK, then bought another figure 8 from the same tank and he was OK and has been with me since this past summer. You just never know with wild caught fish.

Eric

How can you tell if a puffer has parasites?

Usually eating but still thin, listless, not lively.

Nematodes are relatively large. Once deceased, even a crude necropsy would reveal them, even without magnification. I realize it is difficult to cut into the body of a beloved pet, however.

I had a figure eight who showed symptoms like that before dying...however, he also became thin, listless and very dark before he went.
Chances are your guy had parasites as well...sorry for your loss.
Pami.

This is why it's so exciting that more fish, including puffers, are being tank-bred!!

Excellent point! With tank spawning, parasites can be avoided and you can, at least in theory, also breed (spawn) for desirable characteristics.

Also, we can rest easier knowing that no environment has been harmed (don't get me started with marine collection !!), that mortality rates aren't nearly as staggering, and that pathogens are potentially kept far more at bay.