porcupine puffer won't eat

[kinsella5]

I have had my porcupine puffer for 3 months and he has been eating krill with a little squid once in a while. Suddenly last night when I went to feed him, he went up to the food but couldn't eat it. It looked like he couldn't open his mouth wide enought to bite the food. HELP! He has become a wonderful pet and I would hate to lose him. My water has all tested out well.

 

[grouperhead]

I've heard of puffers getting 'lockjaw' before. Sometimes it is just temporary, but sometimes it unfortunatley leads to a premature death. I'm not sure what causes this either. How big is the puff? Keep on trying to feed, and try some live ghost shrimp. If he can eat, he will definatley eat these guys. Sorry to hear about this. Bo

 

[kinsella5]

Thanks for answering....I've had my puffer for just a few months - he's just about 4 inches long. I did try ghost shrimp - he didn't even look at the one I put in the tank. I did get him to eat a little silverfish, at least that's a start. He looks absolutely fine and is real interested in the krill - he just can't really bite into them. I am putting some vitamins in the water now daily - hoping that somehow that will help him. I'm just sick about this - this fish has become a real pet. He has such a personality - teases for food and actually will spit water out of the tank at me when I don't feed him fast enough. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. My pet store had no ideas whatsoever!