Help,something is not right with my puffer

[GoDSpeeD]

I notice today that my puffer has a discoloration along the front half of its face and eye, what could this be and what can I do?

[GoDSpeeD]

parameters are

salt 1.20
ammonia 0
ph 8.1
phos 5
nitrate 10
nitrite 0

[leebca]

The picture isn't doing me a lot of good for this. I suspect it is either one of the fake fungal infections. It could just as easily be a viral or bacterial infection, or a combination of these. (Once one sets in, the others become secondary pathoges to take advantage of the situation).

The honest best thing to do is get the fish to a fish veterinarian, an ornamental fish laboratory in a teaching university or college. What is needed is that a scrapiing be taken from the fish and the material identified/studied/looked at under a microscope. Once it is better identified, the proper treatment and medication can be provided. Unfortunately these kinds of fish don't take well to being handled. This complicates getting the scraping.

I can suggest an antibiotic (for bacterial infection of one type); other meds for the fake fungal possibility; or if viral, still other possibilities. With a few different treatment options, choosing the wrong one would mean the fish continues with the problem and may die from it while we 'chase our tails' trying to figure this out without a decent diganosis.

If you're not going to get this kind of diagnosis:
Maracyn Two for Saltwater fishes is one type of antibiotic that kills off one group of bacteria. This group of bacteria are the most likely kind responsible for marine fish bacterial infections. Put the fish into a quarantine tank/hospital tank; treat with DOUBLE the recommended dose of this antibiotic (double what is recommended on the label/instructions). The treatment is for 5 days. After the 5th day you can report the results and show more pictures. There may be no noticeable results untill the 5th day.

In the meantime, again if you are not going to get a lab diagnosis:
Tell us more about this fish. . .When did you aquirie it? Was it like this when you got it? Where did the fish come from (LFS, mailorder, etc.)? What is the fish eating? Is it eating?

[gothicproud]

Hi, i just joined as a member. DONT FREAK YET BUT, does the fish look like it has cotton-wool around it face and eye. If so it is mouth fungas. It starts at the mouth with a white line round the lips and proceeds to the production of filaments of cottonwool appearance. It is highly contagious desease with tropical fish rather than coldwater fish and is a rapied killer. Treatment must be given to the tank and its inhabitants or furhter infection will occur. The deasease is so toxic and rapidspreading that an antibiotic should be used. The most effective treatment is Chloromycetin at 20 milligrams per litre. This is administered the TANK WATER. If this does not look like the above. Take your photos to the aquariumn that you bought the fish from. Prompt action is required. Gothic-proud, Mandy. Good Luck



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[GoDSpeeD]

well my puffer died today. I think before I buy another one I will really educate myself on how to handle them. How to take precautions n all that. thanks for the suggestions that was givin,

[leebca]

Sorry to hear this. Did you buy this fish from your LFS or by mail order?

What you said is very important (learning about the fish ahead of time). This might help you out in the future: Is The Fish Healthy?

Good luck!