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north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 4:07 pm
by KENNYCAS
I need help. My salt water north east puffer stopped eating and looks as if he has lock jaw. He can not close his mouth and lays on bottom of tank. Been weeks since he last ate.
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 4:17 pm
by Pufferpunk
Please answer ALL the Qs above, in red.
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 5:04 pm
by bertie 83
Was krill by any chance the bulk of his diet. Please answer all questions above and mentally prepare as you may need to force feed. Someone will talk you through it at the time if needed
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 5:09 pm
by KENNYCAS
water conditions are and have been very good, I have the tank for 2 years and keep fish that have been caught in long island waters. some tropics and mostly local fish, like puff. normal water change would be 30 to 40 % . my tank size is 125 gal. I feed all types of frozen foods from fish stores and sometimes live. sinking pellets and algae wafers also. have made no changes in past 3 months other then water . my puffer can not close his mouth and will not eat anything. before he would eat none stop. breaths very rapid. I have now started today to force feed with vitamins .
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 5:12 pm
by KENNYCAS
no . have used it to feed tank but not his favorite.
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 5:32 pm
by bertie 83
What are all your water parameters?
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 1:27 am
by Pufferpunk
Please post: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate & pH. "Very good" isn't enough.
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:51 am
by RTR
And specific gravity or salinity.
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:48 am
by KENNYCAS
salinity 1.025
alkalinity 5.o
ammona & nitrite 0
ph 8.1
I am running out of time with the puffer, has anyone ever seen a puffer with lock jaw. and if so can it be cured. I don't think it has anything to do with water conditions they have not changed and all the others are fine including a younger puffer. how do i force feed correctly. need answers please.
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2012 10:50 am
by Pufferpunk
Lockjaw is caused by vitamin deficiency, generally from feeding a diet of krill. You might be able to find Youtube vids on force-feeding him. You'll have to get a large syringe & a soft tube to put down his throat. You have to make a slurry of meaty foods high in B vitamins. Be sure to add Vita-Chem & Selcon.
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:59 am
by KENNYCAS
started force feeding with added vitamins. in just 2 days he is moving around and swimming on the top. still unable to close his mouth or eat on his own. thanks for reply.
Re: north east salt water puffer
Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 11:33 am
by Pufferpunk
Sounds like he's getting better! Keep force-feeding him. Please continue to update.