The Puffer Forum

Hello,
I'm new to the forum and to owning puffers in general. I just got a 29gal tank for my husband for christmas, and we have a f8 puffer and a spotted puffer. My f8 puffer has bulging eyes... the owner of the fish store said this is not normal and he must have a birth defect or something, and he didn't want to sell him to me. I thought he was cute, and birth defect or not everyone deserves a chance at a good home right? Well, we've had them for a month now and one eye seems to be getting bigger. I was wondering if anyone else has ever seen or dealt with a similar issue, and how did you handle it?

This question would be great for a " Hospital section "

I cant really answer with out looking at it, maybe some pictures.

+ you got two puffers that cant live with each other. GSP will need at least 30 gal by its self and would need a Salt water setup.

Plus the gsp will grow bigger and be more aggressive

I moved this so you can answer the questions above in red. Sounds like Popeye, google that disease and see if that sounds like what he has. I believe that is treated with an antibiotic, but adding epsom salt may help with the pressure, or may do nothing. My betta had Popeye, I treated it with an antibiotic and it slowly went away.

Well, atleast you know what to name him.

Yes, there is bacteria behind the eyeballs causing them to bulge out. He can lose both eyes if not treated. NEVER buy something that doesn't look "normal" to you. you have now learned how stupid fish store employees are! Try treating with Melafix, I've had success with that.

Thank you all for your comments and prompt responses! I am very thankful that I found this forum.. very helpful!!
We ended up naming him Quazimoto because that's who he looks like

I am relieved to know that Quazimoto can be treated, and I will try Melafix right away.

When we purchased Quazimoto, we also got an african ciclid. We ended up returning the African ciclid because he was crazy aggressive, and exchanged him for the spotted puffer. The guy at the fish store (a younger employee, not the owner of the store) said that the spotted puffer would be fine with the f8, but apparently he was mistaken. Maybe I should exchange the spotted for another f8? I would like to have a tankmate for Quazimoto, because when he was with the ciclid and by himself he would hang out by the filter. He even got stuck in the filter twice, but refused to go anywhere else in the tank. As soon as the spotted puffer was in the tank, Quazimoto started swimming around and acting normal, and now seems quite happy! He really enjoys the company. Any thoughts on tankmates?

Absolutely, get another F8 instead or just keep Quazi by himself for a while, until he's better. Animals pick on the weaker of 2.
For info on your puffer: viewtopic.php?f=68&t=28692

Another F8 is a better tankmate than the spotted.

I didn't feel comfortable using Melafix with my betta, there are some warnings in place for labrynth fish, I used Maracyn and Maracyn 2.

Also, if you could answer the questions above the post in red, that will be helpful. How was the tank cycled?

+1

Another F8 would be perfect

Maybe you should mention to the young fella at your LFS that he was wrong, you know teach him a bit

I have used melafix with my betta and all was fine. But then I did not see a warning, if I had I would not use it. Sorry seven don't want to contradict you but I did not know it was potentially unsafe, this was about 2 years ago and betta still going strong. This may be a one off tho. Do not try this at home kids!

I used it with a betta once, he didn't react well to it and had to do a large water change. But I've also had non-labyrinth fish have bad reactions to Melafix, it just depends on the fish and its own particular sensitivities. But overall, Melafix has a large margin of safety.

Instead of getting another F8, you might consider just returning the green-spotted puffer and using that medicine to buy the meds. Understocking is always a great idea with puffers, especially sick ones.

Puffers can sometimes act funny without a tankmate at first because they came from the store, where there is TONS, but after a while they adjust. Plus, puffers will become more attached to their owners if they are singular. It's really not mean to let them live alone lol. It will give them lots of extra tank space and better water conditions if the tank is understocked.

How would I add an epsom salt treatment for the double popeye? I have started Quazimoto on the Melafix and it seems to be helping... his eyes no longer seem like they will completely pop out of his head, but they are still severely bulged.