Puffer Cant Stay Upright

[dawie22]

Floats kind of on a plant, still moving fins occasionally. and will also occasionally move a little to a different part of the tank. first noticed this last night, looked in this morning and afternoon, and was upright although on the floor (where he norm sleeps) so at that point was norm for him. but since he as been on his back and finding it difficult to stay up right, looks in good condition and is eating well.

Water is all okay, good oxygen going in.

Last thing to be done to the tank was a partial water change (10%).

Tank water is as follows:
PH= 7.1
NO2 les than 0.1 PPM
NO3 les than 0.5 PPM
0.1% salt

Water added to tank (RO)
PH= 6.7
NO2 les than 0.1 PPM
NO3 les than 0.5 PPM

Temp= 26 deg c.

Thank you in advance

darv/cath

 

[WILDER]

He's in bad shape if he's been on his back.
Does the fish look bloated in the tummy area.
What do you feed the fish.

However, having a puffer inflate should be avoided at all costs because the puffer may accidentally swallow air. If the fish swallows air, it can then have buoyancy problems and since these fish are so sensitive, this stressor may cause it to stop eating. Also sometimes, the deflation process is difficult. If your puffer does inflate, you should understand that this display is a last ditch-type of defense mechanism for it, and it is severely stressful to the fish, not to mention its’ owner! It reduces the life span of the puffer and can cause circulation problems because the high internal pressure caused from the water may impair normal blood flow and the drastic change in stomach size may lead to digestive difficulties. Stressing out a fish, may lower its’ immune system, which can then lead to disease. You should work at identifying and preventing any stressors, which cause this behavior.

Taken from this link.
http/www.flippersandfins.net/pufferfisharticle.htm

 

[dawie22]

He eats muscles, blood worm and many common frozen foodm and is eating normaly. and to my knolage he has not "puffed up" and dose not look "bloaded" at all

 

[WILDER]

To be honest once fish are upside down on there backs they don't tend ot make it, swim bladder that has progressed.

 

[dawie22]

Hmmm ya come to that conclution (through experiance) but he seemed to be ok during the day, right way up and swimming about as normal......

Hmm strange

thank you

darv/cath

 

[WILDER]

Seen it alot, not good news when a fish is on its back, will get you some info.

Cut the bloodnworms out of his diet.
http/www.fishtanksandponds.info/care-mai...swimbladder.htm

 

[dawie22]

hmmm thank you very much for the information, very much apreshiated

darv/cath

 

[WILDER]

Good luck.

 

[dawie22]

thank you, will have to keep a good eye on him, change diet and monitor water closely for nect few days, and hope he pullls through