Green Spotted Puffer with black stomach?

[terraaimee]

So,this is my fist saltwater tank, and I bought the whole set-up from a friend of mine. I have the tank set up with nothing but live rock in it and Im supposed to be getting the few fish that were in it later tonight. They are 2 green spotted puffers and I think a damsel. The problem is that one of the puffer has a black belly sometimes, but not always. I havent actually seen this phenomenon, so I dont really know what it looks like. Is this something I should be worried about?

 

[lion_crazz]

What do you mean you have never seen it?

 

[terraaimee]

I bought the whole setup but havent gotten the fish over here yet. He still has them in his smaller tank at his house. I was waiting to put them in until I had the whole thing set up and running smoothly. I did see them when he first bought them, but that was months ago and the fish were healthy then.
I was reading last night and I found something that said that puffers will sometimes turn black because of stress or illness. Should I just set up a hospital tank for him?

 

[lion_crazz]

I would not do anything until you see what is happening and possibly post pics.
As far as a hospital tank, I would always recommend having a set-up quarantine tank. I do not think you should use it for the puffer yet, but it will be a great idea to have it up and running.

 

[terraaimee]

Alright, I think that sounds like a good idea. I read some of the other posts on this board, and it sounds like having a quarantine tank setup all the time is a good idea anyway. Thanks for your help and when I get the fish today, Ill make sure to post a picture of it (if its stomach is still black).

 

[lion_crazz]

Excellent, I will keep checking back.
And as far as a quarantine tank, you will definitely not regret having one. I assure you.

 

[sepulatian]

Originally Posted by lion_crazz
Excellent, I will keep checking back.
And as far as a quarantine tank, you will definitely not regret having one. I assure you.
Yes, definately, it will save you alot of headaches in the future!

 

[fishstix4u]

hey bud i have a smaller tank set up that was my first tank its a 29 with 2 GSP's.. there new home is going to be a 75 on the oposite wall of my 75 reef in a few months and i can tell ya from experience with them.. there my 2 favorite fish.. the personality and attitude is great... and my puffers have black bellys too.. when there sleeping, stressed, hungry, or just about anything but happy.. nothing to worry about unless its there 24-7. in the early morning when there sleeping under somthing or next to somthing there curled up in a ball and colorless iwth black bellys. they see me... the perk up come right up to the glass and there color changes before my eyes.. they get a little food then im off to work when iget home if there hungry i give them a little treat and they get happy and there color is neon and vibrant.. its damn weird but i think your puffers are fine...i drove my self nuts on the pufferforum the first 2 weeks i had them till some one told me its normal.its been close to 6 months they got big fat and funny but are very very healthy... now if you see them black or discolored and swimming with there tail tucked up by there head.. its very stressed out... find the problem.. and your going to think they have ich about 30 times a week.. its there spines.. little with specks.. but there just its spines.. been down that road too.. good luck and let me know if ican be of any help...

 

[terraaimee]

Thanks a lot FishStix4u. That is really really helpful. Ive tryed to keep them in freshwater, since they're brakish fish, but I didnt have much luck. So now I am pretty excited to get them. :joy: I still havent got them yet, my buddy had to make a trip to upper michigan, so I probably wont get them until next week sometime. If I have any problems, Ill be sure to get your opinion on them.

 

[jon321]

My spotted puffer also has a black belly sometimes. Completely mood related and nothing to worry about.
Jon

 

[larryndana]

color change due to mood, thats cool.

 

[fishstix4u]

any time man.. just let me know.. there freat fish

 

[terraaimee]

So, I got my green spotted puffers today, and they are both doing wonderful. :happyfish As soon as I started acclimating them they turned real bright white and green. Thanks for your help everyone.

Terra