The Puffer Forum

Hi, im new and and I have a GSP in a 25 gallon tank, and I was wonderin why he has these little tiny black dots on the top of his head, there not like his spots, but really little and only on the top of his head, he's about 2-2.5 inches and was just recently moved into his new tank, the ammonia and nitrites are 0 and the nitrates are around 20-30 ppm, and the PH is about 7.9-8.0 so I dont think its the water. And I dont have a camera so, is this bad possibly?He's active and not all scared or weird about his new home so.....anyone?

Actually I just looked again and I think they might just be the way his spikes look at an angle, but just trying to be sure...

It is more than likely his spikes. The Nitrates are way too high for a puffer as they are sdensitive little things so maybe that is irritating his skin? I would suggest a large water change to get them down to 5ppm

manutius wrote:It is more than likely his spikes. The Nitrates are way too high for a puffer as they are sdensitive little things so maybe that is irritating his skin? I would suggest a large water change to get them down to 5ppm

I've never had any problems with nitrates at 20ppm causing skin irritation. I dont let it get higher than that but it doesnt cause a problem. Trying to maintain 5ppm could be an impossible task depending on the size of the puffer.

My Sabahensis sometimes gets some black spots, slightly raised, almost like a pimple. Then they disappear on their own. Keep an eye on them to see if the change in appearance. I tried the usual skin treatment of Melafix but it seemed to make no difference.

Thanks, I was just curious because Id never seen them before and was worried because I just moved him, he doesnt act different then normal, happy and curious, so thanks, I feel better:D