The Puffer Forum

I stupidly gave my Fahaka way too big chunck of a squid today as I was in a rush. Didn't take the time to slice the meat in small pieces.

Then, he started to swim desparately back and forth splashing water out of the tank and crashing into spraybars making a crazy mess. Then, he was able to cough and let go some of the food, and is currently resting at the bottom. There is still a lump close to his throat which indicates he is still struggling.

Has anyone experienced how to deal with it?

Info:
- My current take on it is to simply turn off the light and let him rest until it lets go naturally
- I also lifted the spraybars and maxed the air pump to produce more oxygen for his digestion
- He is very healthy, active and strong. I have never seen him panick like this. This accident happened suddenly and there is no need to discuss water parameters etc.

I attached a picture showing the lump.

Thanks!

You can just leave him be for now, if he has stopped panicking he should be in no immediate danger I would hope. I am not sure if you could burp it out of him? Wait for others to chime in first though.

I tried to get his attention with his pincher and he started following me, but he was sort of hovering around in a clumsy way. At least he seems to want to fight for more squid as stupid as it sounds, but it´s a good sign. I believe he should be ok. I was really worried when he panicked and bumped into every corner of the tank at full speed. Luckily I have a tight lid..otherwise he might have jumped out causing even more harm..I just hope he did not trap any air to be expelled from his stomach. Let´s see how things turn out tomorrow morning.

I am sure fish have to deal with similar circumstances of biting off more than they can chew in the wild. I think this will work itself out. Handling the fish in order to rectify the situation my do nothing but stress the fish even more.

He will be okay. If he is breathing itll pass. Like any animals the digestive syste. Is wider than the mouth so once its in its good to go, plus it will dissolve slightly making the exit easier. Question, how big and or old is your fahaka. Its pretty, reminds me of mine but waaay bigger

Thanks all. Everything's back to normal. In response to your question, I think he is about 12 inches by now and still growing. I got him one year ago when he was about 2 inches. Here's a photo of him coughing for air. He had the shape of a balloon then and I was worried he was about to inflate himself on top of things..

He looks like hes about to breath fire. Or growl some black metal

He was actually spitting out Transilvanian Hunger by Darkthrone but I thought it was unsuitable to comment on it in this forum:)

Fahaka Fakka wrote:He was actually spitting out Transilvanian Hunger by Darkthrone but I thought it was unsuitable to comment on it in this forum:)

Cold! Cold!