The Puffer Forum

Hi all, I'm pretty new here, but I have had my GSP's for 4 years now. They have recently moved to their new home, and I have to say, they've never been happier!
Today, I noticed that the largest of the 3, Kermit, has some black spots on his belly. Now, I'm quite familiar with black belly, having had them in a tank that was too small for a while (yes, I'm ashamed ) but this is different.
There are 2 spots on his left flank, on the white portion of his belly, that weren't there yesterday. They do not have the 'vague' apperance of the stress induced colour change, bit are more like the spots on the top of his body. He is not exhibiting and strange behaviour, and chowed down his dinner with his usual relish.

In case it helps, here's my setup specs:
290l (75US gallons),
skimmer,
fuge with chaeto,
diy fluidised sandbed filter (equivalent volume to tmc1500 model),
Fluidised RowaPhos reactor,
Purigen,
Plenty of LR.

Stats:
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 15ppm
Phosphate - 0
Alk - 8,
Salinity - 1.024 (with refractometer)
pH - 8.2

Tank mates:
3 x GSP's (yes they're quite big, and yes, they all get on!)
3 x blue damsels,
Xenia,
Lobophytum,
an unknown SPS,
Zoas.

If there's any more info that would help, I will have a go!

Oh yeah, and the tank sits at 25.8-26.3 degrees C.

A black circle basically? Puffer bites. When a puffer bites another puffer, it looks like a circle shaped bruise. He will be fine if it is just puffer bites. Any o the symptoms at all? Are the circles raised?

It happens. Usually during feeding or over territory.

I would upgrade the tank if possible to a 90.

Would love to see pictures of that tank! Welcome!

Welcome. As stated above if it is like a black ring then it is likely a puffer bite.

How much LR is in the tank? In full marine, sufficient LR should mean that you would need only a good skimmer, not any bacterial filtration (the fluidized sandbed) as you currently operate.

The tank is a bit small, and the fish are likely sexually mature and may not be getting along as well as you think.

Can you get a picture of the questionable black marks?

Thanks for the replies and welcomes .
Unfortunately, having had a tank that was too small, I'm well versed in what bitten lifters look like Kermit is also the biggest and badest - he used to be the one doing the biting! (fortunately the new tank is long enough to provide him a with his own territory!)
this is different, its irregular in shape, with speckles around it, kind of like a mole that needs medical attention! The odd thing is that it appeared overnight, and never fades or changes colour, and has a very well defined border. I will try and get pictures of it tonight. Might even see if I can post up some of the tank too!

I'm also aware that 75g is a little less than ideal, but I'm filtering for a tank rated at at least 3 times the volume of my setup... If they get too fighty, I may have to split them up, which would be a shame as they have been together since they were fry!

I am also aware that the sandbed is not fully necessary - it is a stopgap, as I'm currently only running 1kg /10l, and I want to be at about 1.5kg/10l.

Sounds like a nematode then. Do a search here for that.

Okay, I will keep an eye on it. Currently there is no lump, and there are 2 distinct spots. I've attached a couple of pictures of the offending spots, and one of the tank. (I need to build the hood, and the phosphate reactor needs replacing so it will fit in my sump!)
apologies for the quality, they are from my phone.

I'm thinking the small white "dots" you are seeing are his spikes.

Doesn't look like a nematode, that I have seen anyway. Sort of looks like a bruise to me. There is a lot in the tank he could have hurt himself on. Others will chime in on that.

I've seen something similar in a gsp before...I think it ended up not being a huge deal...can't remember!

They look small for 4 years! Pretty tank!

Thats a 75g tank? Looks closer to a 100g. What are the tank dimensions?

N'awww, thanks, it took me 5 months to set it up and cycle it, so I'm glad it turned out well!
A bruise seems logical - there are some powerful wavemakers in there!
Yes I'm sure its 75gal - 5' x 16" x 16" DT, with a 2' x 1' x 1' sump, which is 2/3 full.
I was thinking they were small, but they eat like pigs, and everyone gets their share. Kermit and Mildred are 3", and Carol is 2.5"

Hopefully the black spots will clear up soon - I will keep watch and report back, thanks for the help

The tank is 66.5 ish gall gross with approx 10g in the sump, realistically max of 60g water. I must say that is a nice looking tank. Plenty for them to look at