My Puffer Has Lost Its Balance :(

[dan86]

Hi,

Yesterday I woke up to find my South American Puffer unable to keep his balance. He is constantly fighting to keep himself upright, and does not go very high in the tank now. It seems like he is having trouble keeping his back end down, as it keeps lifting up - as if he is doing a head stand.

He has no marks on him, no bloating and looks his same happy self but really struggling with bouyancy. I researched on the net and thought he may have a swim bladder problem. However, I visited my LFS's yesterday for advice - they both said it is unlikely to be his swim bladder as it would be unusual a puffer. One suggested he may have swallowed some air and the other suggested Interpret's Anti Internal Bacteria medication.

I left him over night to see how he is doing, and he is still exactly the same this morning. PLEASE suggest what it could be and things I could try - I feel so cruel not knowing what to do when he is obviously not ok. He has not eaten any food since having these symptoms. Carried out water tests - all fine.

Thanks, Dan.

 

[WILDER]

Need more info on size on tank in gallons or litres.
How many fish in tank and which type.
Water stats in ammonia,nitrite, nitrate, and ph.
How old is the puffer.
How long have you had him.
As they need very large tanks.
What do you feed the puffer.

 

[WILDER]

I think I would go to a specalised puffer forum, not sure where you post on here sorry.
I know puffer can inflate and have problems.
Diet a big issue.

 

[Fella]

I don't mean to put a downer on it Dan, but I've kept a few different puffers, and I had an SAP that was very similar, I saw a pinkish coulour underneath his head area, and came to the conclusion that it was internal bleeding of some nature after being chased by another fish in the tank and crashing into the decor.

I hope this isn't what yours has, but it's just a heads up.

 

[dan86]

Yeah thanks for the help guys. Nitrites zero, ammonia zero, nitrate zero, pH 8. I have had him for about 6 months now, and never had a problem with him. Even the night before I found him ill he was feeding fine! I feed him live snails, whole mussel and mysis shrimp. What ever is wrong with him, I know its not because of the other fish, they have always gotten on fine - just a sudden change in him over night.

Any other ideas are much appreciated.

 

[WILDER]

If he swallowed some air not sure how long it would take for him to get back to his normal self.
I would go with what the lfs has said and try the anti internal bacteria, it not a strong med so shouldnt harm him.
Good luck.