The Puffer Forum

I purchased a s & s puffer yesterday. The LFS netted it and during the process it "puffed" mildly. It was in its own tank, not a tank plumbed to the general population. They had been holding it for 3 weeks. I had a 2 hour drive home. When home, it seemed to be doing fine after acclimation. This morning, it is having difficulty swimming, keeping upright. It did spin a few times. I have put it in a smaller tank now just to keep itself from being hurt. I attempted the "burping" process to no avail. I have seen it defecate, so I know that isn't the problem. No visible parasites. No torn finnage. Eyes are clear. This fish is about 6 inches in length, counting the tail. Anything else I should be doing?

I would continue to try to burp the puffer. You read the article in our Library?

Definitely has some air trapped - I prefer placing the puffer is critter keeper, or plastic lighting grate strategically placed and weighted to keep the puffer down.

Kelly, how does that help?

Thanks for the prompt reply...I did read the article and have been following directions.

So then the light diffuser cage would work as follows, the deeper the puffer, the "bubbles floating to the top" tendency would be the idea?

ok, this has gone from bad to worse,real quick. I attempted to burp him again and he apparently has had enough. I have been severely bitten in the center of my hand. He is now majorly stressed and laying on the bottom.

I have washed MY wound out thoroughly, but I don't think I will be burping him again anytime real soon.

Oh wow, how did that happen? I usuallly burp by holding the tail (in a net), head end up (head under water), shaking back & forth, till it burps.

You want to position the puffer underwater with its head pointed toward the surface of the water. Carefully take hold of the puffer supporting its entire body. To do this and restrict the movement of the fish, hold the head and body, the bones of your hand parallel to the fish's spine and along its back and the fingers wrapping the head , avoiding the eyes as much as possible. Use your other hand to gently nudge the stomach to help the puffer release the air. Throughout the process, the puffer may attempt to reinflate. This is okay because the puffer is underwater and will refill with water, further helping to expel the air. If you need to "burp" a puffer larger than 6 or 7 inches, it may be necessary to enlist the help of a few extra hands.

He wriggled around and bit me..this guy is a tad too big to be holding by the tail and shaking it.

Confining an arothron in a net is a BAD idea - they will usually go through the net or get the net embedded in the teeth/gums.

The idea of confining them in a critter keeper (has to be vented so waterflow is not impeded) or something similar that is weighted from the surface:
1. Keeps them from "ingesting" more air
2. Keeps them from the stress and excessive energy spent trying to get down.
3. Keeps them from bobbing at the surface and being picked on by other puffers or fish.
4. Keeps them under the water to prevent "drying" of portions of their skin.
5. Allows the puffer to work out the air without the stress of being handled (potential injury to skin - both the puffer's and the hobbyist).

I have been using this method for 12+ years with great success.
Best of luck.