The Puffer Forum

About two days ago, I noticed my porcupine puffer has become completely covered in white/gray spots which almost look like dust. It doesn't look like ich, but it does look similar.

Outside of the spots, his behavior has been normal. He still has a healthy puffer appetite, and I have not seen him scratch. He is not overly active, nor is he inactive - in other words, he's the same old guy.

Does anybody have any ideas what these spots are? Are they ich? My GSP that shares a tank has been spot free so far. To be on the safe side though, I've begun to slowly drop the salinity of the tank.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

Sounds like velvet.

How should I treat it? I just looked up the disease and copper is listed as the main way to treat it. Is there a better way? Will hyper-salinity work?

Thanks in advance!

I believe Puffer Queen is the expert here but I thought she did say something about copper. Must be used in QT though.

From doing a quick search on velvet here.
All quotes from Puffer Queen:

"Salinity needs to be 1.009 - consistently - swings/elevations will affect the cure. Copper is an option especially if this is marine velvet or you are unsure of the pathogenic parasite. Copper needs to be given in a bare bottom tank with no live rock and must be given according to directions and a test kit (appropriate kit for type of copper being used) is a must! "

"marine velvet which is only cured with copper"

Hopefully, she'll be here to answer soon.

Thanks Pufferpunk!

I'll transfer him to my QT tank tonight and begin administering copper. He's gonna love me for this one...

Dan

I'm not sure that you need hypo-salinity for velvet ot not.

Pufferpunk -

I tried giving the poor guy a FW dip, but short of stressing him out, it didn't do much good. I've also dropped the SG of my tank down to 1.016 and will continue to drop it over the next few days (shooting for that 1.009 range). I've also sent Puffer Queen a private message.

In regards to the copper, have you had success in using copper with puffers before? I've been getting a lot of mixed feedback regarding using it, and have tentatively held off until I've spoken with someone that has successfully used it.

As always, I (and my puffers) really appreciate your help!

Thanks again,

Dan

I personally don't keep SW puffers. I was just quoting posts from Puffer Queen for ya. She's the SW puff expert here & I would do whatever she says.

If you had a picture we could make sure it's velvet before you medicate.

I've been trying to get one. Unfortunately, the "dusting" doesn't show up very well on my digital camera. I've been trying to get a closeup of his fins... that was how I first noticed the problem... however, the puffer won't hold his fins still long enough. I'll keep trying.

Thanks,

Dan

How's he feeling? No news from PQ?

If you are going to try hyposalinity, then follow PQ's recommendations in her SW Ich article, stickied in this forum.

Yes - multiple PM sent/answered - will paste shortly for all to read/learn.

Whew! PQ to the rescue!