The Puffer Forum

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help. I have a 9cm fahaka which I have had for around 4 months with no previous problems, although I have many years of experience with animals, particularly exotics, this is my first experience with puffer fish and am hoping for some advice
I have recently moved puffy into his new tank (approx 2 weeks ago) and within the last few days have noticed some strange faeces in his tank: his faecal 'pellets' seem to have a white opaque mucousy film around them. Has anyone ever seen puffers creating faeces with the mucousy membrane as described? Not all his poos seem to have this film; he has just had one that looked more like undigested bloodworm (which doesn't seem quite right either).
After some research, I'm concerned that that cause of this may be hexamita and was therefore considering treating with metronidazole. Would anyone be able to give me advice on using this treatment with pufferfish please, is it advisable and what is the best course of action?
Although I have used this drug with success in other animals in the past, as I mentioned, this is my first experience with caring for a puffer. Thank you in advance

Tank Parameters:
pH 7.2
Ammonia 0
Nitrate 20
Nitrite 0
Tank size 106 litres 30"x12"x18" (he will be upgraded to a bigger tank as he grows)
Inhabitants: 1x Fahaka
Recent changes: fahaka was moved into his new tank approx 2 weeks ago
The tank has been set up for 3 weeks running on a mature Eheim 2217 filter which has been running on another tank for 2 years
Water changes: 45-60 litres per week in 3-4 installments

It wouldn't hurt to treat for IPs. It's very possible your puffer has been fighting off the parasites all along but the stress of the move, was just enough to tip his immune system off.
library/hospital/internal-parasites-pre ... treatment/

Thanks very much, I just wanted to be sure that treatment was the best course of action, and there was no risk involved

They will often gulp food down so fast and unchewed it can come out a similar colour, but as pp said it's always best to treat as a precaution. Just to add I would put him straight into his forever home now, these guys grow fast and are easily stunted. Expect him to be a foot long within the next six months if his growth rate is correct. Welcome to the forum

Great stuff, thanks very much for the advice guys, I will get him treated ASAP, as you say even if it is just a precautionary measure, I just want to do right by the little guy (including upgrading his tank ) thanks again!