The Puffer Forum

Not sure how this happened but before the missing of the top..it was a slight brownish color. I have been treating the tank with "Melafix" once a day for three days now. "Nemo" ate yesterday but nothing today. I feel so awful. Is there anything I can do more to help him or is he doomed? Any tips or help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Is there another fish in there? Maybe the top was bitten off? Failing that it could have been damaged on some sharp rocks/gravel or filter intake is quite common.

thanks for your reply.

I have some danios in there and a pleco. two weeks ago I bought a Mono fish and after 12 days I returned the Mono because it seemed that the Mono was intimidated by "Nemo" my puffer. That same day I noticed that part of the lip of the puffer was missing and then part of his tooth also. Could they have been in a fight? Maybe. Well, Nemo is still alive this morning and I am going to treat the tank a third time with Melafix, which is a Tea Tree Oil solution. Before that though I am changing the water 25 - 35%. Have you had something like that happening to you or has anyone else ever seen this before? Thanks a bunch friends.

If you say the tooth id broken too I think maybe the poor little fella has broken it on a bit of rock and the skin/lip may have become infected. Treating with melafix is good but you should consider keeping the puffer on its own. Are you aware that GSP are high brackish water fish. the current fish you have will not be able to tolerate those water conditions