The Puffer Forum

Ph- 8.2
Ammonia- 0
Nitrite- 0
Nitrate- 5
Salinity- 1.022
Temp- 78
150 G FOWLR
I feed raw shrimp, clams & mussels on a half shell, snails, blood worms, mysis shrimp and some fruits and veggies occasionally.
I just did a water change. Tank has been set up over a year and was cycled.
I noticed a couple days ago my porcupine puffer Juke had a spine sticking out. I didn't think anything of it, he occasionally gets loose spines and they go away. Only this time it looks different. It's sticking straight out and yesterday I noticed it had developed a lump under the spine. I did a water change and have been doing research but I'm having trouble figuring out what to do. He is acting completely normal, big personality and appetite. I am still very concerned. I don't want him to get sick. Anyone seen this or know what I should do next?

Is it possible to get a good pic of this? I'd at least add SW Melafix.

I have taken 20 pictures and so far this is the best I got. Its right under his pectoral fin. You can see a spine slightly sticking out. It's on top of the lump. I can see it in the pic but I can see how it would be hard if you don't know what your looking at. I will continue to try n get a better picture.

I have treated Jukes tank for a few days with melafix. So far no improvement. He had been acting normal up to about an hour ago. He is hanging out at the bottom. He's still moving around but slowly and he spit out food. I'm concerned the swollen spike is possibly poking his fin. Either way I'm sure it's uncomfortable. I'm not sure what to do. Anyone seen or heard of this or have any idea what my next step should be? I just want him to be ok. I'm very concerned.

Anyone have any ideas?

Can ANYONE please help!?

From what I understand as they grow porky puffs "molt" and shed their spines as children do with their teeth.

See here: viewtopic.php?t=31451&p=335864

Yes I have seen that happen multiple times with him. This does not look normal or anything like the porc in that post. What I am concerned about is th the large lump under his spine. I can't seem to find a similar situation. The melafix is not helping.

Possibly a cyst? I see that in dogs a lot. If he's eating, swimming, interacting as usual, I wouldn't worry much.

He is acting normal again today. Do you think it will go away? Or it's something he can live with normally?

They do go away, as do any other cysts.

I hope that's what it is. I'm worried about him, that makes me feel a little better.

* wasn't posting cause she had no idea...* but yeah if he's acting normally, it's probably nothing to worry about