The Puffer Forum

So for the past day or 2 he has been hiding behind a fake plant I have. He usually lays in 1 spot for a day or 2 after I feed him so I didnt really think much of it. Today I look at him and his skin looks darker than usual. He is usually brown but to my parts of him look darker than usual. So I decided to open the lid of the tank and make a little noise with my fingers because he would usually think its food and come swimming up but he stayed where he was. So I got the net and put it in there because he also knows that when the net goes in the water something is going on and possibly food...... Still nothing.

So I put my hand in there and he would either usually try to bite me (I think he may because my fingers are food) or at least get up and move but he still didnt. So I kind of scooped him up in my hand and he was just sitting in my hand doing nothing really. So I put him in a spot closer to the front so I can keep and eye on him and every once in a while he does this weird thing where it looks like he is either sneezing, coughing, or trying to spit something out and I can hear it. He also seems to be breathing fairly heavy. I dont know what I can do. I feel really bad


By the way I have a 30 gallon tank and my hairy puffer is the only thing in it.

Please answer ALL the Qs above, in red.

1. pH. 7.6 ammonia 0 nitrite 0 nitrate about 20 (I know its a little high but I dont see how that can make him act this way)

2. Tank size 30 gallon, My hairy puffer is the only thing in it

3. Water changes I do at least once a week about 50% I feed him jumbo prawn, clam (all raw) and once in a while live fish :/

4.I dont make any changes

5. The aquarium has been setup a month or 2 and I cycled it with tetras instant cycle stuff


He seems like he cant lay on his belly, he has to prop up against something to be on his side.

Have you noticed his poop lately?

Pufferpunk wrote:Have you noticed his poop lately?

I have not

Constipated?

Epsom salts might work, never had to do so myself, so hopefully someone who has may add more info

1 tbsp/10g for FW fish.

Pufferpunk wrote:1 tbsp/10g for FW fish.

So this is what you suggest I do? Just add it directly to the aquarium.

I'd add it to your filter (impeller side), so it mixes better.

You could try a couple of peas (make sure the shell is removed, and boil the peas to make soft) - they act as a laxative also, but if it's not eating at all, epsom salt is really the only way to go to try and flush out any blockage