The Puffer Forum

He is in a 90g have had for about 4 yrs. Just started this behavior 3 or 4 months ago. Sometimes happens when lights are turned off for night, other times during the day. He has broken off all teeth,mashed up his lips and snapped off water intakes on filters. I have treated with Pipzine and one other parasite med., didn't help. he has even moved a slab of rock that weighs about 10 lbs. I am almost ready to give him back to store, I even have trouble cleaning tank. My pit bull is so afraid of him she runs and hides in basement.

Hi. What's Pipzine and why are you treating for parasites? Is there anything else in the tank? Is there anything that triggers the attacks (i.e., when someone wearing pink or red comes near the tank, is there anything red near the tank at all that didn't use to be, has someone started coming around - possibly a child - that may have scared him)?

How big is he? At 4 years old, he should be full size or close to it and far too large for a 90g tank.

Sorry forgot size. He is about 8 or 9 in long. Treated for parasites on recommendation of fish guy I bought from. No one new to house hold no red anything by tank.

Why did he tell you to treat for parasites, because of the panic attacks? Can you get a photo of it? I'm not quite clear on something, have you had the fish for 4 years or the tank for 4 years? If the tank, how long have you had the puffer?

Had tank for 6 yrs. This puffer for 4 yrs. Had previous fahaka in this tank that died from a bile duct blockage( Had necropsy done)

I would keep the lights off and minimize traffic around the tank as much as possible. Treat the wounds with Melafix and Pimafix to prevent bacterial or fungal infections until they heal. Unless he shows signs of parasites (sunken stomach or white, stringy poop for intestinal parasites or some visual indication of external parasites), I would discontinue treatment for that. After 4 years, unless you've been feeding live foods or added something live to the tank fairly recently, I would think parasites are unlikely. The behavior you are describing isn't normally a sign of parasitic infection IME.

Thanks, I'll give it a try, but hes sometimes thrashes in the dark, more than when tank light is on.

Please post water parameters & water change schedule.

Sorry haven't checked water parameters, am going to have them checked by Aquatic store on way to work in morning. Change about 30 % weekly.

Buy a test kit while you are there Sounds to me like either a reaction to poor water conditions or possibly a mental problem

Water parameters
ph 6.5 ammonia trace
nitrite trace nitrate .80
kH zero
I am going to do a 10g change for the next 5 days

What is a "trace"?

Not enough to register.

I'd do 25% for the 1st 2 days & 50% for the next 2. Then 50% weekly.