The Puffer Forum

Hi everyone.

I'm new to puffers and sadly know little about this kind of fish. I do know that watch quality must be perfect so I can confirm that it is. I regularly check all qualities of my water to make sure levels are suitable for my range of fish. I currently have chilids, angels, tetras, mollies, guppies, fighters, platies and shrip in this tank.

Two days ago I discovered some large lumps on my puffers belly. It got me concerned, however I thought this was due to him over eating and therefore thought nothing of it. The lumps are still there, which is now firing concerns to me. Looking for advice on this as, although its a baby, I love my puffer as its very relaxed and not aggressive what so ever!

Pictures below:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .53.18.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .53.22.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .53.39.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .34.40.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .34.56.jpg

I feed my puffer on white bate currently, as it is too young for other bits. I cut a piece of bate up for him about 8-10mm in length maxium, and feed once every two days. It currently faces the ground (see picture) and doesn't move from there. Its alive and kicking, however I'm concerned that it will sadly pass away shortly.

All tank mates have been accounted for, however could it be possible for it to stupidly eat a few pebbles?

All help and advice is welcome.

1st of all, those pics are waaaay too big! I had to reduce my page size about 10x, just to see the puffer.

2nd, you have a green spotted puffer, not a F8. It does not belong in FW at all (although neither does the F8) & prefers marine conditions as an adult. It is quite aggressive & will quickly make mincemeat of all your other fish.

As far as the lumps--yes, it may well be food but your puffer does not look well... My guess is there are worms inside of him. Bad news is, they're contagious to all your other fish too. I'd get a separate tank set up (cycle with Tetra's Safestart--nothing else will do!) & treat him & your other fish for IPs: library/hospital/internal-parasites-pre ... treatment/

library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/

Pufferpunk wrote:
1st of all, those pics are waaaay too big! I had to reduce my page size about 10x, just to see the puffer.

2nd, you have a green spotted puffer, not a F8. It does not belong in FW at all (although neither does the F8) & prefers marine conditions as an adult. It is quite aggressive & will quickly make mincemeat of all your other fish.

As far as the lumps--yes, it may well be food but your puffer does not look well... My guess is there are worms inside of him. Bad news is, they're contagious to all your other fish too. I'd get a separate tank set up (cycle with Tetra's Safestart--nothing else will do!) & treat him & your other fish for IPs: library/hospital/internal-parasites-pre ... treatment/

library/puffers-in-focus/an-introductio ... d-puffers/

Sorry about the pictures. They should now be linked below:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .53.18.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .53.22.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .53.39.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .34.40.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/174 ... .34.56.jpg

Sorry for the dumb question but is my fish even suitable for my tank set up (tropical, not marine)? The shop sold it to me after I explained my lack of knowledge for this fish (clearly as I got the name wrong!)

Sadly I don't have a separation tank at the moment. Would it be possible to treat the tank as normal (eg, when treating for fin rot?)

I really appreciate your time with this.

That fish absolutely does NOT belong in a mixed FW tank. Did you read the articles I linked you to?

Way too many fish if u ask me...

That fish absolutely does NOT belong in a mixed FW tank. Did you read the articles I linked you to?

I've read the articles you've sent me and are very helpful. Thank you. You also appear to be the key person to talk to so thanks for the help so far.

It would appear that I need to invest in a additional tank for when adding new fish, and for taking care of sick ones too. Is there any particular tank or size you would recommend? I currently have a fluval system out of 4 different tanks and have found it to be best. How long would you also recommend a new tank mate being placed in this tank?

I will purchase some treatments that are recommended, and for sale in the UK.

I don't feel the 90l tank is too over crowded. This is he most I will be keeping in this tank.

Thanks for the help so far. Would appreciate you helping with an additional tank as well.

90 l is too small for just the puffer alone. All the fish in there are not appropriate to keep together and the tank is going to end badly if you don't separate them. The puffer needs high brackish to marine conditions.

bertie 83 wrote:90 l is too small for just the puffer alone. All the fish in there are not appropriate to keep together and the tank is going to end badly if you don't separate them. The puffer needs high brackish to marine conditions.

Wasn't truly aware of this. Looks like a serious remodel is needed. The tank has been set up for 7 months without any prior issues so thought nothing of this. Thanks for letting me know!

Do not let the pet stores tell you otherwise. They are there only to do one thing: Sell you stuff.

What's the present stocking list in your 90l? i wouldn't think even a pair of Firemouth cichlids would be comfortable in there for very long.

What's the present stocking list in your 90l? i wouldn't think even a pair of Firemouth cichlids would be comfortable in there for very long.

Pufferpunk wrote:What's the present stocking list in your 90l? i wouldn't think even a pair of Firemouth cichlids would be comfortable in there for very long.

There are 24 fish altogether in this tank, but have known people to have 50+ in the same size.

Back to the specific subject, what would be the best quarantine tank?

Something around 10usg or 40l would suit most fish for the quarantine period. My 90l tanks normally contain 10 very small fish, or 3-6 smallish placid fish around 2" full size.

MrDGOrman wrote:There are 24 fish altogether in this tank, but have known people to have 50+ in the same size

It's time to become a true hobbyist & not a fish collector. As a hobbyist, it is our responsibility to keep our fish in the best conditions possible for them to have long, healthy lives. I have fish over 25 years old. I bet NONE of the fish you refer to live past a few years.