The Puffer Forum

Hi,
Can someone tell me if it is normal for a Fahaka puffer to have 2 barbs sticking out from its chin? I haven't noticed any other pictures of Fahakas with these and thought they may be a parasite although the symmetry makes me think otherwise. I have only had him a couple of weeks and noticed them a day or two after I got him.
Thanks

That's new to me. Just spent 15 mins looking for them on my fahaka, can't see any

I have searched the web looking at pictures and for info but can't find anything like it. Doesn't seem to be affecting him though. Eating like a pig, active, pooping etc

This may be a good one for Corvus incase there are variations about. Or pp may have some info on this for you.

By the way that is an incredible photo

Thanks. I enjoy taking pictures of my Puffers as they are usually slower than other fish and a bit easier to photograph. Still a pain though especially for him as he is only just over an inch now. Took me a while to get a usable shot.

News to me! I'll PM Corvus.

Thank you for this PP.

Out of interest.... Is there any sort of parasitic worms which latch on like this and the symmetry is just a coincidence?

Are we all looking at the black thing on the chin?

Oo a piece of his fin is missing.

Diodon holocanthus (porcupine puffers) do often have "whiskers", which look like kind of soft spines. But not T. lineatus. There are worms, which form similar prominent black spots such as Posthodiplostomum cuticola (I don't think it is this one). Most cannot propagate in the aquarium, though. Personally, I'd only monitor the spots.

My fahaka has exactly the same whiskers! I will try up load some pics (might not be as clear as yours).

Cheers

Now you've got me looking to see if mine needs a shave!

Ha ha. Started something now. Thanks for the info and maybe a little peace of mind.
On a seperate note my Red eyed Red tailed puffers have just bred got loads of eggs but off on holiday tomorrow for a week

Put them in a breeder net and hope for the best,