The Puffer Forum

I have an irrubesco. A few days ago he became lethargic hardly moving and breathes heavily. We thought it might be constipation.

But today, I saw it in VERY bad shape, almost flipped over, and on closer examination, I saw very thin whitish long worms crawling over it's body. About a month ago, I noticed some small white lumps appearing on it's abdomen, but as they come and go, I didn't pay much attention to it. It's definitely not itch. Now the white lumps have reappeared.

I know it's some kind of parasite, but I'm not sure if it's internal or external or BOTH. And how do I treat them?! HELP!!

I've isolated my puffer from the main tank. It's in a small tank by itself now.

The original tank tested O for nitrates and ammonia.

What should I do?!

The puffer just died.. about 10 minutes ago. It puffed several times and thrashed wildly before dying. It is a horrible feeling to know your fish is dying, but not knowing what to do. I had already dosed the recovery tank with salt and a tapeworm medication.

The puffer has been with me for two years, and is the same cute puffer you see in the puffer library.

Thanks everyone who tried to help. Pls ignore the post by sPuffalogus.

So sorry... I'd treat the whole tank for parasites. See if you can get Flubenol.

Flubernol? i doubt that's available over here... any alternatives? I do have a few danios in the tank still, though 2 have since died. Wonder if they're down with parasite too. How long do I have to treat the tank for?

I've had my puffer for coming to two years in that tank... without parasites. I've no idea where he got the parasites from...