The Puffer Forum

I have a ten inch Fahaka that I have had for several years. He is in a 125 and has had very few problems. He is round and plump. About ten days ago he stopped eating. He doesn't seem to be losing any of his roundness so I thought he was constipated. I used epsom. I checked water perameters... they are good. I did some water changes. He has always eaten two goldfish every morning. He has never missed a day. He loves snails and I give him a few about once a week. I can get him to eat snails but I am still worried he's got some sort of blockage in his gut. His two fish from ten days ago are still roaming around his tank. He chases them a little but gives up after a few tries. He's got no signs of any disease that I can see. I am not sure what to do next. I would hate to lose this guy and would appreciate any feedback or suggestions on what to do next. Thank you.

stop feeding gold fish.

And what do I feed him? I don't have enough snails. He won't eat shrimp.

Moving this to the Hospital section for more attention.

Feeding

library/feeding/feeding-your-puffers/


library/feeding/problems-feeding-your-puffer/

Goldfish are awful feeders. They are extremely fatty and generally come riddled with diseases/illnesses that they can transfer to your fish. They cause fatty liver disease and an early death for your fish. Plus, your fahaka isn't a piscivore (that means they don't eat fish).

Read the articles that trekenk has provided. There are many easy foods that are much healthier for your fish I hope he starts eating soon. If he's eating 2 goldfish a day at an adult size then he's probably overweight. Adult puffers only need to be fed about every other day or even a bit less.

Now that this is in the hospital section can you please answer the questions at the top of the page? This will help us help you better.

Also, welcome. I'm sorry you had to join under these circumstances

Exactly how much of what & how often are you feeding? I have a strong suspicion he has put his fat self on a diet. If he's turning his nose up at healthier foods, you need to fast him for 3 days to a week & then follow the article linked above, on difficult to feed puffers.

A huge +1 to the above. A varied diet with any animal is so important. I would hook out those goldfish and start feeding more appropriate foods 2 or 3 times a week. If he hasnt eaten for 10 days he will soon be hungry.