Why does my figure 8 puffer fish have a wide open mouth? Like he can't close it and loses appetite.?

Answer 1

Is he puffed? If puffers are made to puff up, they sometimes cannot regain their normal shape (this can happen if they have too much air in them, for example). They can die from this.

If he is otherwise normal, does he ever close his mouth? Is he gasping for air?

If his mouth is stuck open, he either has something in it, or is suffering from some sort of paralysis.

What are you feeding him? Is it possible he injured his mouth on a sharp shell or something?

Otherwise, what are your water params? Figure 8s need a minimum of 10 gallons, 20 is better. They prefer a neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water. They require ample open space to swim, but also need places to hide. They will tolerate brackish conditions but are considered to be freshwater fish.

Answer 2

What do you feed them? They do require hard shelled foods to keep their teeth in check. If the teeth have gotten too big, that may be a cause of your problem. Shrimp, clams, muscles, and snails make good meals for them. Snails especially. It's quite amusing to watch them hunting. If the teeth are overgrown, you can trim them down, but it's not an easy task. I don't remember where I found that article, but I'm sure if you look, you'll be able to find it, or ask on one of these web sites.


http://www.thepufferforum.com/articles/puffer/f8puffer.html
http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/ug.php/v/PufferPedia/Brackish/T_Biocellatus/
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/puf-fig8.htm

Contrary to what the first answerer said, they are a brackish fish. They will do much better in the brackish water. Depending on the water you keep it in, that may be a cause also. The first link gives an easy way to adjust to brackish if you have it in fresh water.

They're an interesting fish, and with good care can live upwards of 15 to 20 years.

Answer 3

merely like the above solutions mentioned, a determine 8 Puffer Fish could desire to be in a minimum of a 10 gallon tank (a greater tank is often extra perfect). Like cat mentioned, in addition they want brackish water as they enhance better.

Answer 4

Do you give him anything to chew on? Puffers often end up having to have their teeth trimmed if not. He should be eating a diet with shrimp or clams that will wear down his beak. Otherwise he can end up with an overbite or not be able to close his mouth.