The Puffer Forum

I've had a porcupine puffer for a few months now, and she's been great. (I call her a girl, but who knows) Bubbles- her name- eats well -very well- and has a great personality.

The last 4-5 days, I've noticed this white stuff on her.... Thinking it was ich, I've been treating with Ruby Reef. This morning, I looked at her and there's this cloudy white film... almost powdery looking stuff covering her that if she makes a quick move comes off. (like a powder). It really is unattractive. I've tried to take pictures, but they do no justice to what I can see. One of her eyes is also pretty cloudy. She doesn't seem lethargic, and she ate fine last night. Does this sound like anything familiar? Is there anything I can buy to help save her?

Moved to hospital forum.

We need more information such as water parameters, tank size, tankmates, how long has the tank been set up, etc.

Here are some Q's I was answering on another forum:

1. What are the water parameters - specifics.
- Im not positive as I'm at work right now, but the last time we
tested - about a week ago- they were pretty good... I can get
exacts tonight.
2. What size tank is the puffer in?
- 55G
3. What tank mates? Any new additions?
-Just a yellow tail damsel and a Jewel Damsel. (was hoping for
those guys to be food since they were bullies in my other tank.)
4. Do you quarantine?.
- I haven't taken her out as the worst Ive seen it is this morning.
5. What substrate?
- I have the CaribSea Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand.
6. Are there spots or a dusting? Does the film disappear and reappear?
- At first the whiteness looked like Ich, so thats what i treated for,
but this morning, it was kind of dusting off of her.
7. How is the puffer breathing - fasters, gasping?
- she didn't seem to be breathing irregular, but her stomach looked a
SLIGHT bloated. (not at a 'puff' just a little fuller)

I just came home and QT'd Bubbles. She's in a QT tank with an air fizzer. Her color is turning lighter, and one of her eyes is really white. Almost like filmed over.... I think she's gonna loose an eye....

Your puffer has velvet disease & needs copper treatment ASAP, as it is a fast killer. Be extremely careful to dose as instructed.

I'm PMing Puffer Queen, so she can respond with more details.

would this be a good treatment? or do you know of any that are better?



http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... uct=PP2111

Metronidazole is not been proven to be effective against velvet.

If you read the product it claims to attack the free swimming phase of the parasite.....what about the cyst stage and even more important the active feeding stage of the parasite that is severly affecting the puffer.
Copper is the only proven treatment against velvet.

Start seachem cupramine in a bare bottom tank with increased aeration immediately.

Monitor copper levels with the Salifert or Seachem test kit.

Monitor other water parameters at least daily and be prepared to intervene with water changes/buffer, etc.

Thanks you guys for all your help.

She's now in a bare bottom tank with aeration, and I'll start the seachem treatment today. Hopefully Im not too late.


Thanks again!

Thanks PQ!