The Puffer Forum

Apologies for this being my first post on this forum.

Tank is a Fluval Profile 1500 (500ltr) and fish are - Palembang puffer, 3 Silver dollar, 2 pleco, 2 Severum, 2 Jack Dempsey, 2 Rope fish, 3 Upsidedown catfish, Silver shark and a long snout Distichodous. The tank is well established and all fish cohabit very well.

I returned from work on Thursday evening to find that the cover from the filter inlet (Fluval 305) had been knocked off and the puffers belly was sucked into it. I turned the filter pump off and carefully removed the inlet pipe and (after puffing up) Peter swam free.
Obviously he was very stressed and still seems so, also he hasn't eaten since and just ignores any food I try to feed him. My main concern at the moment is the damage done to his underside.

Photo after I freed him from the inlet...



Photo taken this morning...


.
I guess my question is, is there any treatment I need to give the poor guy and will the damage heal over time?

Thanks

Jon

Keep an eye on it, and make sure you prevent it from happening again. It may heal on it's own, but if it gets infected you may want to try medicating him.

Yes keep a very close eye.

pimafix / melafix may help sooth it.

Have you secured that inlet yet?

Absolutely use Melafix. How long has he been living with those tank mates?

Absolutely use Melafix. How long has he been living with those tank mates?

You're a great photographer, BTW.

Thank you for the replies.

The inlet is well secured and won’t come off again.
I’ve used what Melafix I have, but will buy some more tomorrow, just really hoping it soothes his injury.

Pufferpunk wrote: How long has he been living with those tank mates?

You're a great photographer, BTW.

Thanks, the pics are from an iphone,I probably should get a real camera
Almost all the fish in the tank (inc Peter) were introduced as juveniles & they have been happliy living together for a while now.

PS

As I type this, Peter is breathing very very heavily and looking very unhappy All the other tank mates are fine, so I guess it's down to his injury.
It's extremely frustrating looking at the poor guy and knowing there's not a lot I can do to help him.

He's stressed & probably in a bit of shock. Turn the lights off & let him rest. Does he have a cave for his own territory, where he can retreat to? Keep an eye out that no one picks on him.