Porcupine Puffer gone blind!
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 2:55 pm
Hi, I have a Diodon Holocanthus, named "Fugu" that I've now had for about 6 years, I believe he is likely about 8 years old. My little buddy is one tough little fellow, having survived numerous turmoils and diseases, always to pop back. This time I'm really worried he may be beyond help. Up until a few days ago, everything was fine, he was swimming around the tank as normal, watching us move around the house, waiting for a handout. Then, out of nowhere, I noticed something wasn't right (you know how you just know it?). He was swimming oddly, and wasn't responding to approaching the tank. I noticed he was bumping into things as he swam. He wasn't responding to my presence, or light changes. His dark spots on his skin had gotten darker, more pronounced. He was swimming energetically, seemingly trying to figure out where he was. In the days since, nothing has changed, he still is swimming into things, not responding to any visual cues. I can tell he has gone completely blind. His swimming is more careful, either because he has realized his predicament or he has burned out his energy. Today he's just lying on the ground in a corner. The one good sign is that through this I've stuck food in his mouth and he has eaten it every time. I'm really worried about him, and can't figure this one out.
I have performed two major water changes in four days. Initially, I thought I perhaps had an ammonia spike. My test results were high for ammonia, at about .3, however, Nitrite was reading zero. After a water change, something odd happened, my ammonia actually went up to .5. Nitrites were still zero. I surmised that my test chemicals had either gone bad, or my source water (city water) had ammonia in it. But that wouldn't make sense, since I treat the water with chemical remover before using. After purchasing another test kit, the ammonia (after two water changes) was at .2, nitrite at zero, nitrate at 20. I also have a poly pad just put in the filter, and quality carbon. The pH has always remained at 8.0. I keep the salinity around 1.021. I also noticed the temp had spiked to 83, I always leave it around 79, not sure what happened, but I dropped the heater down, and it's back down to 78.6. But 83 shouldn't be a problem for a Holocanthus, right? They live in warmer waters around here in south florida!
The tank is a 75, and has been up and running for about 8 months since I transferred him from another tank (and all the established rock and filtration). He's alone in the tank. I've been moving him up as he has grown, and have been setting up a 180 for his next jump up.
I've spoke to my LFS, and they indicate that blindness is possibly a result of kidney problems, and that the kidney impacts can come from ammonia, some other contaminant, or from old age. They suggested doing a 90% water change with RODI water from a shop, or seawater. They indicate that they have seen in a few instances sight return once the kidneys have cleared. They also indicated that 8 years is an old Holocanthus, but I've read that they can live up to 15 years.
I'm not sure if I've included everything here I'm supposed to, but if not will add if needed. I'm pretty upset, and we worry we are going to lose him before we ever even get him into the big home we've been dying for him to experience. If anyone can offer any suggestions as to what could be causing this, and what else could be done, we really would appreciate it.
Thanks so much.
I have performed two major water changes in four days. Initially, I thought I perhaps had an ammonia spike. My test results were high for ammonia, at about .3, however, Nitrite was reading zero. After a water change, something odd happened, my ammonia actually went up to .5. Nitrites were still zero. I surmised that my test chemicals had either gone bad, or my source water (city water) had ammonia in it. But that wouldn't make sense, since I treat the water with chemical remover before using. After purchasing another test kit, the ammonia (after two water changes) was at .2, nitrite at zero, nitrate at 20. I also have a poly pad just put in the filter, and quality carbon. The pH has always remained at 8.0. I keep the salinity around 1.021. I also noticed the temp had spiked to 83, I always leave it around 79, not sure what happened, but I dropped the heater down, and it's back down to 78.6. But 83 shouldn't be a problem for a Holocanthus, right? They live in warmer waters around here in south florida!
The tank is a 75, and has been up and running for about 8 months since I transferred him from another tank (and all the established rock and filtration). He's alone in the tank. I've been moving him up as he has grown, and have been setting up a 180 for his next jump up.
I've spoke to my LFS, and they indicate that blindness is possibly a result of kidney problems, and that the kidney impacts can come from ammonia, some other contaminant, or from old age. They suggested doing a 90% water change with RODI water from a shop, or seawater. They indicate that they have seen in a few instances sight return once the kidneys have cleared. They also indicated that 8 years is an old Holocanthus, but I've read that they can live up to 15 years.
I'm not sure if I've included everything here I'm supposed to, but if not will add if needed. I'm pretty upset, and we worry we are going to lose him before we ever even get him into the big home we've been dying for him to experience. If anyone can offer any suggestions as to what could be causing this, and what else could be done, we really would appreciate it.
Thanks so much.
