The Puffer Forum

I started with four GSPs in a 10 gallon tank. After much advise on a different post, we still have three in a 70 gallon. Two still seem to be doing just fine. Eating well, nice color, white bellies. The one that had a dark belly that is still alive is now very dark all over most of the time, but lightens up here and there. My water parameters are being closely monitored. Weekly water changes of 50%, now using Zoe to soak their food, myosis shrimp, and have been giving them small snails as well. Could it be an internal parasite problem? He is holding in there but is not very lively, has been a few weeks now. Any thoughts?
Full story from the beginning under hospital post of Black bellied puffers.
Thanks.

Hows his figure?

He is slimmer than the other two. Some days he is not that interested in eating. But when he does eat his belly swells with a lump like the others. He has only been taking one or two shrimp. We have been trying to get food right in front of him so that the other two piglets don't gobble it up before he gets there. He has also taken to hanging out in one of the plants vertically facing down some of the time. He is just not doing well, holding on, but not really improving.

More info: My husband reminded me that before I started consulting with the puffer forum, when they were still in the 10, he fished a small worm out of the tank. There were live plants in the tank when they were in the 20 gallon (prior to the 10 gallon). We were told that is not unusual & not to be concerned.

Could you post a pic of him? Certainly wouldn't hurt to treat them all for IPs.

What is your recommendation for treatment?

Check the stickies here.

Have been treating the whole tank (70 gal w/ 3 GSP) for one week. Put the last dose for internal parasites in this morning. The dark one looks great! He is eating again, with a good appetite! His color looks great today, belly is white & his top looks more in line with the other two. Hopefully we got it! Thanks for all of your help.