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Originally Posted by MizRamzi  Sounds like he's damaged his *swim bladder* Is he spending most of his time on the bottom of the tank? Net him to the top and see if he goes straight down. If so then this is a good indication that it is. I have a puffer too and I'm sorry to hear he's sick  |
He also appeared to be bruised or new bruising would appear occasionally. I was just stunned that between the time I fed him and saw him last, around 8-9PM he appeared normal, with the exception of his healing injuries of course. Around 4AM I got up and noticed that his tail "nubber" was straight up in the air and head pointed straight down. He always took off or swam to other side of tank when I can up to glass but not this time. I tested water, trace amounts of ammonia, if any and the test showed there was nitrites in and nitrates in tank but nothing I though was EXTREME. However, I immediately changed out half his water and added a bubble stone in case o2 levels were low. Man, I love these fish but they are often mishandled before purchasing, missing fins and tails, often under fed. They require a migration to salt water, brackish a minimum and there aren't many options for tank mates.
If you ARE going to purchase one or more of these fascinating fish, I certainly suggest u do ur homework. Know whats involved in caring for puffers before u make the purchase. They look cool, act cool and swim like submarine's. You almost want to put clothes on them... okay maybe now but DO YOUR HOMEWORK and so your little pal is happy and healthy.
Puffer Riley's tombstone reads:
Puffer Riley
09' - 09'
"He had no tail when he got here, and he had no tail when he left..."
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I had a puffer once that had difficulty staying upright... she died soon after. I now think that the cause was an internal bacterial infection that went systemic. She was just fine and then WHAM she's horribly ill. She only lasted a few days. Be aware that puffers are super sensitive to water quality, so some showing nitrites is really not a good thing. I don't think that would cause all of your problems though, unless it was a long exposure. Again, I'm sorry you lost your little guy, and I can tell that you were trying very hard to save him. RIP Puffer Riley 