Puffer puffed, what to do?

pituca

Member
Okay so I am new to the hobby and currently I have a 125gal tank with live rock, live sand. The Live stock I have 1 Porcupine Puffer, 1 Diamond Watchmen goby, 10 blue hermit crabs, 10 scarlet hermit crab, 3 Mexican turbo snails, 1 Pincushion Urchin about 4 inches, one Sea Hare, and one Chocolate Chip Star Fish. Well I the animal I was least worried for was the puffer, but today when I came down stairs to turn off the tank lights I found the puffer puffed up. I had a few krill’s in my hand I was going to give him as a late snack, as soon as he saw me in about 3 seconds he deflated and came to me. He ate the krill and seemed like he wanted more. This occurred around 4 hours ago I was on my way out of the house and just came back he is hanging out in his cave, he came out to see me but is not as friendly as usual. I've read here that when a puffer puffs up it is not a good sign and a lot of times they don't make it.
To say the least I am scared. If there is anyone here that can help I would really appreciated.
:help: :help: :help:
His name is P-Diddy

 

nicetry

Active Member
If the tank parameters are all in check, I'd leave the lights out for a day and allow the fish to rest. These fish are rumored to puff when they are stressed, however they also do it for seemingly unknown reasons. Doubtful the fish will die or suffer ill effects from inflating.
Don't overfeed. Hopefully you are giving it other foods than krill to eat. I'd also keep your hands out of the tank as much as possible. Hand feeding is cute, just not necessary.
 

bellanavis

Active Member
My puffer puffed up also yesterday, I don't know why, but hes does it sometimes, your puffer should be fine, that is if there is no known reason for the puff.
 

v-lioness

Member
My dogface does this every once in a while for no reason, than goes right back to normal, just last week it puffed. If there are signs of a parasite such as ich it may puff, Keep an eye on the fins just in-case....
You can pick up a feeder stick from you LFS instead of using your fingers, they can have a set of chompers on them. :hilarious Feed a variety of meaty foods, for the teeth try Raw Shrimp, Crab, Mussels and so on.....
Kaye
 

pituca

Member
I checked the parameters they read normal, nitrate is at 5 just in case I will do a water change today. He has only been eating krill I give him mic shrimp every other day varying with krill but he does not seem to eat anything else. I actually am going to stop by a LFS soon to try to see if they have any other source of meaty food. It was good to know not to hand feed, I enjoy hand feeding him, but I will stop now. He seems fine today though, but I could not sleep last night. Thanks again for all your help
 
E

emeralcrab

Guest
I give my baby puffer clams also, she really really likes getting them out of the shell, I crack the shell for her and she does the rest.
Also loves silversides, krill, mysis, I soak all food in vitamins and garlic juice. She also will eat algae from the clip.
My son seem Reba puff up, as soon as she seen him she deflated and was normal.
 

michaeltx

Moderator
they gotta strecth to ya know. my dogface, porky, and guinie fowl puffer all did this occasionally and then back to normal.
mike
 
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