The Puffer Forum

My green spotted puffer is sick. His belly is sunken in and is not white, and more of a grey color, and his overall color is not vibrant...so I know there's a problem I just don't know exactly what's wrong, and the proper treatment. I can tell he's weak. He's not zipping around the tank, and is moving slower, and bumping into the tank. I feel horrible because I kept putting off a water change and the tank was very dirty. I know it's been at least two weeks, which is horrible I know. I feed him pest snails, and make sure he has a constant supply, yet I don't over feed to the point his belly is super bloated. (I'm wondering if he got sick from possibly the pest snails too) I know the water is definitely part of, if not all the problem. I did not do a water check, because I wanted to immediately change the water since he was barely moving around. He is still wanting to eat, and trying. I did the water change a day ago and he seems a LITTLE better. His colors are slightly more vibrant. Is there anything I can do? And what do you think is wrong? I'm so stressed over my baby. Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Hi and welcome to the forum, continue water changes for a start. We need water test results and answers to all the questions above in red. Sounds like your puffer has internal parasites so it will be worth you nipping out and getting some of the jungle parasite fizzy tabs to treat his food

Thank you for responding!
Sorry I forgot some things, and realized afterwards, and I couldn't edit it.
As far as cycling I have a filtration system with cartridges, and the tank has been going for about a couple months.
The tank is about 15 gallons. Unfortunately ( I am kicking myself once again) I did not test the water before the water change. He is starting to be more lively and his colors are more vivd. His belly is a little fuller, yet still sunken in the sides somewhat.most likely I'd assume the water change helped, therefore he is eating more, and has more energy. I have friends who are pretty knowledgeable with fish since they work in a pet store with freshwater and saltwater fish, yet no one seems to have a clear cut answer. They said I'm doing everything right as of now, and I should keep an eye on him and if he's still not better in a few days then look into medicating. They didn't give me an answer as far as parasites. Should his belly be nice and filled out not just underneath but on the sides as well? I'd assume so, which is why I'm wondering if that's a sign of parasites.

I would put money on internal parasites being the culprit, treat the food with a suitable med, treating the water is pretty pointless. Water changes often perk up sickly fish slightly, especially if the water is less than perfect. However getting medicated foods into a puffers belly to treat ips ASAP is a very good idea, even if it is just a precaution.

still waiting to see the water parameters in your 15 gallon tank

Yes, please test the water now.